Jaycee Woods

Prompt: In the field what symptoms would a medic assess for a concussion in a semi-conscious patient?

Copilot: In a field setting, a medic would assess several key symptoms to determine if a semi-conscious patient has a concussion. These symptoms include:

Altered level of consciousness: The patient may be dazed, confused, or unable to respond appropriately to questions.

Headache: This is a common symptom and can range from mild to severe.

Slurred speech: The patient’s speech may be slow or difficult to understand.

Delayed response to questions: The patient may take longer than usual to answer questions or may not respond at all.

Memory issues: The patient may have trouble remembering events before or after the injury.

Dazed appearance: The patient may appear stunned or disoriented.

Balance and coordination problems: The patient may have trouble walking or standing steadily.

Nausea or vomiting: These symptoms can sometimes accompany a concussion. It’s crucial to take immediate action if a concussion is suspected, including removing the individual from any further risk of injury and seeking medical attention as soon as possible.

Prompt: Describe the visual symptoms Tua displayed of his concussion. Are such always immediate or could they be delayed by adrenaline?

Copilot: When Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion during a game, he displayed several visual symptoms that are common with concussions. These included:

Fencing posture: This is a characteristic position where the arms are extended outward, resembling a fencer’s stance. It’s a sign of severe brain injury.

Blurred vision: He had trouble focusing and his vision was impaired.

Dazed appearance: He appeared confused and disoriented. Regarding the timing of symptoms, it’s important to note that while some concussion symptoms can be immediate, others can indeed be delayed. Adrenaline can mask symptoms initially, making it seem like everything is fine right after the injury. However, as the adrenaline wears off, symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive issues can become more pronounced.

Prompt: In battle conditions, could such symptoms be delayed for an extended period until the patient experienced an adrenaline crash?

Copilot: Yes, in battle conditions, it’s possible for concussion symptoms to be delayed due to the effects of adrenaline. Adrenaline can mask symptoms initially, making it seem like everything is fine right after the injury. However, as the adrenaline wears off, symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and cognitive issues can become more pronounced. This can happen hours or even days after the initial injury. It’s crucial to monitor anyone who has suffered a head injury closely, even if they seem fine initially, as symptoms can emerge later on.

Prompt: If an unconscious patient has a head injury, are there any detectable symptoms of a concussion? Must a medic wait for consciousness to assess?

Copilot: Yes, there are detectable symptoms of a concussion even in an unconscious patient. A medic doesn’t necessarily have to wait for the patient to regain consciousness to assess for a concussion. Some signs to look for include:

Altered level of consciousness: The patient may be drowsy or less responsive.

Slurred speech: If the patient is able to speak, their speech may be slow or difficult to understand.

Delayed response to questions: The patient may take longer than usual to respond or may not respond at all.

Dazed appearance: The patient may appear confused or disoriented.

Memory issues: The patient may have trouble remembering events before or after the injury.

Nausea or vomiting: These symptoms can sometimes accompany a concussion. It’s crucial to monitor the patient closely and seek immediate medical attention if a concussion is suspected.

Prompt: What about pupil responsiveness in an unconscious patient with a concussion?

Copilot: Pupil responsiveness is an important indicator in assessing a concussion, even in an unconscious patient. Here are some key points to consider:

Pupil size: Check if the pupils are of equal size. Unequal pupil size (anisocoria) can indicate a serious brain injury.

Pupil reaction to light: Shine a light into the patient’s eyes and observe if the pupils constrict (get smaller) in response to the light. Delayed or absent reaction can be a sign of brain injury.

Pupil reactivity: Assess how quickly the pupils respond to changes in light. Slower reactivity can indicate a concussion or more severe brain injury. Monitoring pupil responsiveness can provide crucial information about the patient’s condition and help guide further medical intervention.