As noted before, a concussion is synonymous with a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Concussions can result from a collision of the head with an object, a pressure wave from a blast that passes through the head, or simply from sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head without impact. A service member or veteran may be diagnosed with a concussion/mTBI when such blows or jolts to the head are immediately followed by:
- A change in mental status of at least one of the following durations:
a. loss of consciousness for no more than 30 minutes
b. altered consciousness (mental confusion) for no more than 24 hours
c. an inability to remember events that lasts no more than 24 hours (post-traumatic amnesia) - Normal results on standard neuroimaging
- Highest Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score within 24 hours between 13 to 15