A mild form of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or impact to the head, leading to a temporary disruption of brain function. Typical symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and memory problems.
example
Nach dem Sturz vom Fahrrad diagnostizierte der Arzt eine leichte Gehirnerschütterung.
After the fall from the bicycle, the doctor diagnosed a mild concussion.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'Gehirn' (brain) and 'Erschütterung' (shock, shaking). An 'Erschütterung' is a strong, shaking movement. Literally, it describes an 'Erschütterung des Gehirns' (shaking of the brain), which explains the medical meaning very well.
EXAMPLE
Jeder Stoß gegen den Kopf kann zu einer Erschütterung des Gehirns führen.
Any impact to the head can lead to a shaking of the brain.
Typical verbs
For injuries and illnesses like a 'Gehirnerschütterung' (concussion), the verbs 'sich etwas zuziehen' (to sustain something) or 'etwas erleiden' (to suffer something) are often used. These sound more natural than just 'bekommen' (to get) or 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Beim Skifahren hat er sich eine leichte Gehirnerschütterung zugezogen.
He sustained a mild concussion while skiing.
Typical adjectives
In connection with a 'Gehirnerschütterung' (concussion), the adjectives 'leicht' (mild) or 'schwer' (severe) are almost always used to describe the degree of the injury.
EXAMPLE
Zum Glück war es nur eine leichte Gehirnerschütterung.