A concussion is a brain injury that is so traumatic that it affects the normal functions of the brain. Most of the time, if the injury is not very serious the effects are temporary. Some of the symptoms of this include issues with coordination, balance, memory, concentration, and even headaches. A simple blow to the head could cause any of these effects. Additionally violently shaking the upper body and head could lead to a concussion. There is very limited information on what concussions really are and how to avoid and treat them. In fact, it is very possible to suffer from a concussion and not know it. This read will help you understand and know that a person is suffering from a concussion.
Concussion and All There Is To Know
The Symptoms of a Concussion
They can be very subtle and may not show immediately such as the symptoms of dog bites or cuts and bruises. The symptoms can last for a very short or long time depending on the impact of the blow. The most common symptoms of a brain injury that is traumatic and concussive include:
- Confusion
- Amnesia- loss of memory of an event that caused the concussion
- A headache or pressure-like feeling in the head
- Slurred speech
- Nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Fatigue
- Appearing dazed
- Delayed response to questions
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Large bumps on the head
- Worsened symptoms over time
- Recurring dizziness
- Vision issues
The symptoms mentioned above are likely to be pinpointed immediately after a person gets a concussion. Unfortunately, this is not the case with all the concussion cases. Some people tend to experience delayed symptoms that could start showing hours later after the injury occurs.
Delayed Symptoms
- Smell disorders
- Taste disorders
- Depression
- Psychological adjustment issues
- Sleep disturbance
- Noise sensitivity
- Light sensitivity
- Personality changes such as irritability
- Memory issues
- Concentration issues
Children’s Symptoms
When children experience concussions, their symptoms tend to be slightly different. They include:
- Lack of interest in favorite toys or people
- Different sleeping patterns
- Different eating patterns
- Excessive crying
- Unsteady walking or loss of balance
- Crankiness
- Easily getting tired
You might want to visit a medical personnel within at most two days from when the concussion occurs. A simple light bump on your head or that of a child should alert you to seeking medical help. A concussion is prone to be experienced by athletes especially those who are into boxing or rugby. If you develop signs of a concussion, make sure that you do not get keep playing until a doctor examines you. After the assessment, the doctor will tell if you are able to get back to playing or not.
What Goes On In Your Brain When You Experience A Concussion?
The brain matter has the same consistency as that of gelatin. There is a fluid in the skull that is called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid cushions your brain from damage that may happen on the brain due to the daily bumps and jolts. If you experience a violent blow on the upper body, especially the neck and the head, then your brain is likely to slide back and forth in your skull. This forceful sliding is likely to alter the normal functions of the brain for a short time. In addition to this, events such as car crashes that cause decelerating or acceleration of the head are very likely to lead to brain damage.
Such an injury has the potential to cause brain bleeding around or in the brain. This could cause prolonged confusion or drowsiness either immediately or after a while. This could be fatal if left unattended. You need to take great precaution when it comes to protecting yourself from experiencing a concussion. The risk factors vary and some of them are listed below. You might want to take precaution if you work in any of the mentioned instances or if you interact with any of the activities listed below.
Are You Experiencing a Concussion?
You are more likely to experience a concussion if you:
- Have had one before
- Experienced physical abuse before
- Have experience as a soldier in combat
- Are a victim of a bicycle or pedestrian accident
- Are a victim of a motor vehicle collision
- Have experience with high-risk sports and you do it without supervision or proper safety attire
- Participate in sports such as boxing, rugby, soccer, hockey, or football, among others
You need to understand the possible five types of complications that you can experience from a concussion. This is prone to help you understand why there is a great need for you protect yourself from suffering a concussion.
5 Types of Complications of a Concussion
- Second impact syndrome: If you experience the first concussion and the effects and signs follow, then you proceed to suffer a second concussion without the effects of the first one being fully resolved could result in a rapid and fatal brain swelling. This could cause permanent brain damage.
- Cumulative effects of suffering multiple brain injuries: If you have experienced more than one brain injury within your lifetime, then you are very likely to be at great risk of having very severe effects. The effects are likely to last for a longer period, progress with time, and even go on to impair their functionality limits.
- Post-concussion syndrome: Some people develop symptoms such as thought processing issues, dizziness, and even headaches, days after having a concussion. These symptoms can process for months on end.
- Post-traumatic vertigo: After developing a brain injury, some people tend to experience dizziness or a feeling of spinning, some weeks or months later.
- Post-traumatic headaches: These headaches could be prolonged for about a week or a few months after experiencing a brain injury.
A concussion affects the functionalities of the brain because it alters the composition of the brain. It takes some time for this composition to stabilize which leads to the prolonged effects. The time for recovering varies and this is why some people suffering from the same degree of concussion could take varied times to recover.
Tips for Minimizing or Preventing a Concussion
- Education on concussions- Parents, athletes and coaches need to be well aware of the issues that surround concussions. They need to know how to approach a head injury and prevent it from occurring in the first place. Coaches would use this knowledge to promote good sportsmanship parents would be more aware of how to prevent and address head injuries experienced by their children.
- Regular exercising- This will strengthen the leg muscles and improve the general balance of the body leading. Thus, a person will be less likely to fall over and cause a concussion.
- Childproof the house- Children are very adventurous. As a parent, you need to limit their interactions within the house to prevent them from hurting themselves as they move around the house and play. You could set up window guards and even block off the stairways. This will prevent them from falling off the stair top or the window and causing a head injury. Make sure that all the parts of the house are well lit to prevent stuff from knocking people over.
- Fastening the seat belt, a seat belt is very essential when moving around in a vehicle. It limits the body’s movement when moving at high speed or in cases of accidents. You are less likely to hit your head if you have your seat belt on.
- Protective gear during recreational activities such as sports- Sports can either improve or harm the health of the body. As you stay fit and maintain your BMI, you are still risking your health as you engage in these recreational activities. You need to protect yourself to reduce the risk of hurting yourself as you engage in these activities. There is protective gear such as helmets to protect you from suffering a concussion. Additionally, make sure that you follow the rules of the game. Being adventurous might cost you a brain injury.
