Which term describes a temporary disturbance in brain function ranging from momentary confusion to complete loss of responsiveness, usually with a headache?

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

Answer: (A)

A concussion describes a temporary disturbance in brain function after a head impact. It can range from momentary confusion or disorientation to a brief loss of responsiveness, and headaches are a common accompanying symptom. The key is that the impairment is functional, often with no immediate structural damage visible on imaging, and symptoms typically resolve as the brain recovers. This distinguishes it from other conditions: subdural hematoma is due to bleeding between brain coverings and can worsen over hours to days; epidural hematoma is usually an arterial bleed with potential a quick decline after a possible lucid interval; brain herniation is a life-threatening shift of brain tissue due to swelling. Because of the transient, often mild neurologic disruption with a headache, concussion is the best fit.