Do you know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion? Sometimes the signs are clear and obvious but other times they are more subtle and understated. It is important to know what you should look for as well as to know how easily a concussion can occur, so that you know how best to respond.
Concussions can happen to any person of any age. No one is exempt. They can happen from expected scenarios such as crashing while riding a bicycle, or colliding with another person while running, such as while playing football, baseball or soccer. A person can suffer a concussion as a result of a car accident, or even something simpler like taking a nasty fall in the privacy of your own home.
After a concussion, you may experience symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headache, slurred speech and even vomiting or loss of consciousness. The important thing to do is to seek out medical care even if you only suspect a concussion but aren’t sure if you experienced one. The reason for this is because if it has been bruised or injured, your brain is in a delicate state and needs appropriate medical attention. Doctors agree wholeheartedly that when it comes to your brain, it is definitely better to be safe than sorry. You don’t need to feel foolish because you seek medical care after a suspected concussion because you are doing what it in the best interest of the long term health of your brain. You only have one, and you need to take the best possible care of it, right?
Did you know that a concussion is also called a mild traumatic brain injury, or TBI? If you have a severe concussion, your case of TBI is more serious as well. It can be scary to think of your brain being damaged or injured, so it is important to take precautions which lower your risk of a TBI. You cannot eliminate all risk from all circumstances, but you can lessen the likelihood of commonly caused concussions (such as during sports) by wearing protective safety equipment.
After you suspect a concussion, write down the time it occurred, as well as any symptoms you are having. In addition to the ones stated above, you may have mood swings, irritability, sensitivity to light and sound, and confusion or trouble concentrating on simple tasks as well as inability to answer easy questions.
Once a concussion has been confirmed, it is essential to follow the care advice you are given. You must refrain from driving, reading, watching TV, using a cell phone or computer, and doing any hand crafts which require you to focus your vision at close range such as needlework or yarn crafting. This can be frustrating but it is necessary to allow the brain to heal. If you do too much, too soon, you can cause headaches and even setbacks if you reinjure your already injured brain. You simply must lie down and rest and not tax your brain by making it focus and work more than needed.
To learn more about how to care for yourself or a loved one after a concussion, make your appointment today. Don’t delay; the health of your brain is at stake.