When it comes to the health of your precious brain, there is no such thing as being too cautious. If you experience a concussion, it is important that you seek care. It doesn’t matter if you think it is just a minor injury and you can handle it at home, because the truth is that your brain is injured during a concussion and your judgment may possibly not be at its best at that time. In any other scenario, you can make sound judgments for yourself but when it comes to brain injury such as concussion, rely upon the help of others for the health of your brain.
Do you know how easy it is to have a concussion? Many people think it must take a big event such as a major car accident or something similar, with a huge back and forth whiplash motion of the head and neck. In reality, a small event or collision can cause a concussion easily. This means that when two joggers collide, or if a person trips and falls in their own home, they can hit the floor hard enough to make their brain bounce and shake inside their skull, and cause injury or damage.
You can even experience a concussion by being struck in the head with something, even if the item isn’t hard or sharp. That is why it is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion so that you can recognize one if one occurs. It is also important to tell someone what happened and when it happened, so they can check in on you to make sure that any new symptoms haven’t developed or that any existing symptoms haven’t worsened. This person can be your brain buddy, so to speak. They can help by asking you simple questions to check that your thinking is clear, and they can ask if you have a headache, or if it has worsened since you last spoke, or if you have vomited. If you have a worsening headache, or you have vomited, or if you are having trouble answering simple questions, your brain buddy can drive you in for care, or summon an ambulance if necessary.
Usually, the first step in concussion care is a trip to the local emergency room. Once you have been evaluated and given care instructions, you will most likely follow up with your primary doctor. It is possible that you may be instructed to see a specific concussion doctor. If you’re told to do this, then it is in your best interest to do so. You might think that your visit to a specialist is a waste of time, because all you have to do is stay home and take it easy for a few days. The truth is that it is not that simple. That is only the beginning. By seeing a concussion doctor, you will follow the initial ER doctor’s instructions, and you may also see the concussion doctor more than once. They will be able to run any tests needed and track your healing progress. They can help you to avoid any setbacks by advising you on when to resume your normal activities, which is better than relying on your own guesswork.
Have you experienced a concussion? Call for an appointment today.