A new study, published online in the journal Neurology, examined the pathophysiology of mild traumatic brain injury through changes in gray matter diffusion and atrophy at 14 days and 4 months after the injury was sustained.  The researchers found that patients reported more cognitive, somatic, and emotional complaints at 14 days after the injury, and those were significantly reduced at 4 months post-injury.  However, damage was still seen to the brain, particularly gray matter.

WiseGeek describes gray matter as a type of neural tissue that is found in the brain and spinal cord.  In contrast with another type of neural tissue called white matter, gray matter has a distinctive brownish-gray color.  The purpose of gray matter is to pass along sensory input, gathering information from the sensory organs and other gray matter cells and ensuring that it gets where it needs to go.  According to the Scientific American, gray matter damage or impairments may also be linked to the development of multiple sclerosis.

In an analysis of the study, HealthDay News reports that months after a concussion, symptoms such as dizziness, headaches and memory loss fade, the brain continues to show signs of injury.  While concussion symptoms were reduced by up to 27 percent four months after injury, brain scans of those with concussions showed abnormalities in the frontal cortex area of both sides of the brain.  These abnormalities may have resulted from changes in location of fluid around brain cells or changes in the shape of certain brain cells in response to damage.  These findings may sway conventional thinking about when it’s safe to resume physical activities that could produce another concussion.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way the brain functions. Effects are usually temporary, but can include problems with headache, concentration, memory, judgment, balance and coordination.  Although concussions usually are caused by a blow to the head, they can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken.  Since most concussions do not cause a loss of consciousness, some people do not even realize they have a concussion.

Head injuries can also create lasting problems. WebMD describes post-concussion syndrome, which is a general category of symptoms that present and persist after a brain injury.  It can be difficult to diagnose post-concussion syndrome because of the vague symptoms and their potential linkage to other sources.  Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, sleep difficulties, cognitive impairments, and psychological symptoms.  Multiple injuries can exacerbate symptoms.