Which condition is described as a brief loss of consciousness or confusion following head injury, without skull fracture?

• A. Concussion
• B. Epidural hematoma
• C. Subdural hematoma
• D. Brain herniation

Answer: (A)

Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury characterized by a brief loss of consciousness or confusion after head trauma, with no skull fracture typically present. This reflects a transient disturbance of brain function from the mechanical impact, rather than a growing bleed. Epidural hematoma usually involves arterial bleeding and skull fracture, with an initial loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval and rapid deterioration as the hematoma expands. Subdural hematoma involves a slower venous bleed and symptoms that may develop over hours to days, often in older individuals or after minor head injuries, and can be associated with skull fracture or brain atrophy. Brain herniation is a life-threatening shift of brain tissue due to rising pressure, presenting with rapid decline and neurological collapse. So the brief loss of consciousness or confusion after head injury without skull fracture best matches concussion.