Question about concussions
 

I don't really know anything about physics so excuse me if this question is stupid.

I've read on several threads that objects/ humans need to have a certain mass to cause a concussion. Like a small child for example cannot cause a concussion because it doesn't have enough body mass.

Does that mean that any object which doesnt have enough mass ( I don't know say under 5 pounds) cannot cause a concussion no matter how hard I hit my head with it?

I'm just really confused by all this stuff about g force and would really appreciate it if someone could explain it to me. I believe that once I have understood the basics of what is a concussive impact and what is not I can finally get over my anxiety.

Thank you :)

"I've read on several threads that objects/ humans need to have a certain mass to cause a concussion. Like a small child for example cannot cause a concussion because it doesn't have enough body mass.

Does that mean that any object which doesn't have enough mass ( I don't know say under 5 pounds) cannot cause a concussion no matter how hard I hit my head with it? "

The first comment has very little basis. Mass is not the key factor. G force is. The formula is such that something of small mass with enough velocity can impart the minimum force to cause a concussion. Or, something of large mass with less velocity can cause a concussion. There are other variables that also come into play.

But, I don't think you will be able to live a life of calculating every contact with your head. Hits happen. The brain tolerates most of them. Anxiety can make an impact that did not cause a concussion appear to be a concussion. We can train our brain to react to different stimuli. Our brain will react as if a contact is a concussion if we think it was a concussive force or for some, we just think it may be a concussive force.

I think it is better to just ignore incidental head contacts. Avoid risks and try to tolerate the accidental impacts. Laying your head down on a mattress or pillow is not a risk. Touching the headboard is not a risk in most situations.

I think your anxiety needs to be resolved away from the concept of concussions. Your anxiety about concussions is likely only a small part of your anxiety. The anxiety you have about the myriad other issues in life is just as important at resolving. Have you sought counseling to help you learn thought processes so you can let go of your anxieties ?

Rather than trying to think "This was not enough force to be a concussion," You need to just think "I'm OK." and move on.

Life,

I tried to resolve this very issue by using my past as a reference, use history as your friend.

When I was hit by a door or jarred by something I would ask myself what happened to me pre injury when hit like this? If nothing ever became of a similar whack I had to assume and treat any symptoms as anxiety.

This obviously is how I handle things AFTER healing would allow such a rationale.

Bud

Thanks mark and bud.

Actually I have not had any counseling for my anxiety. I've been wanting to but always thought that I'd get over it by myself. Guess that's not gonna happen.

Bud, i really like your way of looking at these impacts. I will try that the next time I bump my head.

Life,

I hope it helps.

It did me, still had to fight through anxiety for a few solid bumps but I am not as weird about my head now. Still quite protective of the ole noggin but not as fearful.

Bud

Hi Life,

Different Dr.'s say different things it seems but I believe my neuropsych is quite good. She tells me that anxiety after concussion often occurs as a direct result of the concussion (and for me I believe that is true). Something to do with our fight or flight system reacting to small things. I never experienced anxiety prior to the concussion, and now I have to learn, for the first time, how to keep the anxiety in check.

It is definitely worth getting some counselling for it. I feel like I finally have a map in an unknown country. :)


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I agree counselling is a great idea if you find a good person. I think I'd still believe I am permanently messed up and crazy as a coconut if it wasn't for my neuropsych over the last year. I really appreciate the objective sounding board they can offer, meanwhile offering great logical explanations to injured brain workings as well as providing strategies and emotional support during confusing and exhausting times.