Which term describes a mild traumatic brain injury with temporary neurologic dysfunction?

• A. Contusion
• B. Head Injury
• C. Concussion
• D. Secondary Brain Injury

Answer: (C)

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury characterized by transient neurological dysfunction after an impact. It typically presents with brief changes in mental status, such as confusion or amnesia about the event, along with symptoms like headache, dizziness, or nausea, and these symptoms usually resolve within days to weeks. Imaging often appears normal because there isn’t a lasting structural injury.

This distinguishes it from a contusion, which is bruising of brain tissue that can cause focal neurological deficits and is more likely to show on imaging. A head injury is a broad term covering any injury to the head, not specifically the temporary dysfunction associated with concussion. A secondary brain injury refers to damage that occurs after the initial injury due to factors like hypoxia, swelling, or increased intracranial pressure, rather than the immediate transient dysfunction seen with concussion.