Concussions are traumatic brain injuries caused by the brain moving or jolting inside the head. This can result due to trauma from a blow to the head, a head injury, or any impact that causes the brain to rock forward and backward at high speed. When this occurs, the brain may be bruised, swollen, or actually damaged. Concussions are sometimes described as mild traumatic brain injuries since they are not necessarily life-threatening, yet they can be quite damaging unless treated appropriately.
Concussions can arise under many different scenarios, such as sports-related injuries, motor vehicular accidents, falls, and physical confrontations. It should be remembered that not all concussions involve loss of consciousness, and several individuals may not be aware that they suffered a concussion until hours or even days after the time the blow was received. It is imperative to know the signs of a concussion so that immediate, proper care can be accessed at the earliest opportunity.
Physical symptoms of concussion can be highly individual, yet some of the most common warning signs to be aware of are headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise, and vision that becomes blurred. Sometimes, individuals can become impaired with balance or coordination, or experience extreme fatigue or drowsiness, too. It should be noted that these symptoms don’t necessarily become immediately apparent after the incident, but can take time to develop.
In addition to the symptoms listed above, some may also find that their sleeping patterns change, such as trouble sleeping or sleeping excessively more than normal. These physical symptoms should be noted and medical attention should be obtained if symptoms linger or increase gradually over time. Although many of the physical symptoms of a concussion can be alleviated independently with bed rest and time, one should be examined by the appropriate healthcare professional to be certain that all is well and that there are no complications.
Cognitive symptoms of concussion can impact one’s thought processes and information processing. Some of the common cognitive symptoms include the inability to concentrate, problems with memory, confusion, and feeling dazed or being mentally sluggish. Some individuals may experience problems with decision-making or problem-solving, along with disorientation or confusion with speech.
It should be kept in mind that cognitive symptoms can be subtle and won’t necessarily be immediately obvious to the person who is having the symptoms. Family members, coworkers, or friends may identify changes in the individual’s behavior or cognitive function before the person realizes anything is wrong. If you suspect you or someone you know is having cognitive symptoms after head trauma, seek medical care to eliminate any potential complications and receive proper treatment.
The emotional symptoms of concussion can be equally significant as the physical and intellectual symptoms. Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and the feelings of sadness or hopelessness are some of the most usual emotional symptoms. Feeling overly sensitive emotionally or struggling to manage one’s emotions are part of the symptoms too.
It should be noted that emotional symptoms can be a common reaction to traumatic brain injury and shouldn’t be underrated. Getting help from mental professionals or support groups can be helpful to those having emotional symptoms due to concussion. It is also crucial that friends and family members be supportive and understanding at this time.
In certain situations, delayed symptoms of the concussion may not be immediately apparent after the blow but can emerge after some time has passed. These delayed symptoms become; headaches, trouble concentrating, memory impairment, irritability, and sleeping problems. It is crucial to recognize the delayed symptoms and seek medical help in case the symptoms get progressively worse or become persistent over time.
Delays in the manifestation of the symptoms can be indicative of a deeper problem, which should not be left unaddressed. It is important to be seen by a doctor if you notice delayed symptoms after a head injury to ensure effective management and recovery.
It is necessary to get medical help for a concussion if you notice any of the following symptoms: loss of consciousness, confusion, or disorientation, worsening or persistent headaches, vomiting that keeps happening, seizures, slurred speech, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, or trouble awakening after sleeping. If you notice any symptoms that are getting worse over time or not getting any better with rest, it is necessary to get medical help.
It is also necessary to seek medical care if you are not certain if you have a concussion or you are unsure about your symptoms. A healthcare professional can give you the correct diagnosis and the proper treatment depending on your situation.
Most concussions heal spontaneously with time and rest, but others can experience ongoing effects that affect the daily life of the affected person. These ongoing effects include headaches, the inability to concentrate or recall information, mood or behavioral changes, along with sleep disturbances. Post-concussion syndrome, which can make symptoms last several weeks or months after the initial trauma, can be experienced by the person at times too. It is crucial that individuals who experience a concussion be aware of the possible prolonged effects and seek proper care if encountering persistent symptoms. Medical professionals can offer advice on the management of prolonged effects and enhancing the quality of life after a concussion. Support can be gained from mental health professionals or support groups for individuals encountering the prolonged effects of a concussion.
If you or someone with you has suffered a head injury and you are suffering from any sign or symptoms of a concussion, you should seek help immediately. A doctor can evaluate the severity of the injury and recommend the best course of action. Imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs can be ordered to exclude severe brain injuries in certain situations.
It is crucial to adhere to the advice of your healthcare professional regarding proper resting and recovery time after completing a concussion. This can mean time off work or school, not engaging in excessive exercise, resting, and refraining from activities involving high levels of focus. It is also crucial to abstain from alcohol and recreational drugs, which may hinder the process of recovery from the concussion.
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