A contusion and a concussion are both considered forms of serious traumatic brain injuries (TBI). However, the two injuries are fundamentally different: A contusion is a localized injury and bleed in the brain, whereas a concussion is a wide-reaching brain trauma. While both can result from impacts to the head, falls, accidents or other causes, their symptoms and treatments also differ. Contusions can be treated with antibiotics and surgery to reduce brain swelling and to control any damage, whereas concussions must be monitored closely and the symptoms may begin to subside on their own over time.