From the Research
Definition and Difference
- A concussion is a complex pathophysiological process that affects the brain as a result of traumatic biomechanical forces 1
- A contusion, on the other hand, refers to a bruise of the brain tissue, often caused by a direct blow to the head 2
- The key difference between the two is that a concussion is characterized by the absence of gross anatomic lesions, whereas a contusion involves visible damage to the brain tissue 3
Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Concussion symptoms include impairments of memory and attention, headache, and alteration of mental status, which are the result of neuronal dysfunction mostly caused by functional rather than structural abnormalities 3
- Contusion symptoms may include similar symptoms to concussion, as well as additional abnormalities found at neurological examination 2
- The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool used to diagnose the severity of head injury, including both concussion and contusion 2
Pathophysiology
- The mechanical insult of a concussion initiates a complex cascade of metabolic events leading to perturbation of delicate neuronal homeostatic balances 3
- The pathophysiology of concussion involves functional rather than structural abnormalities, including neurotoxicity and energetic metabolism disturbance caused by mitochondrial dysfunction 3
- Contusion, on the other hand, involves direct damage to the brain tissue, which can lead to a range of symptoms and complications 2