Concussions are a concern to most people. However, they are more prevalent in children, athletes, and other individuals who engage in extremely active physical activities.
While concussions are pretty common, it is important to understand that you should never take this type of traumatic brain injury lightly.
Treating concussions can be complicated, especially if you do not understand the basics. But worry not, as this article provides readers with interesting information about concussions, including what they are and ways to prevent and treat concussions.
What is a Concussion and How Does It Happen?
A concussion is a type of temporary or long-lasting brain damage that impairs your ability to think clearly. In most cases, a concussion will happen when your head is twisted inside the skull or rocked back and forth due to a huge blow.
That means you’re likely to suffer a concussion if you participate in a physical sport like football or soccer.
How Do I Know I Have a Concussion?
Concussions are not easy to diagnose. Even though it is easy to notice some signs following an accident, such as passing out, others may not show until after a few hours or even days.
That is why it is important to look out for signs within several hours or days following a head injury. If you suspect you have a concussion, this article on how to test for a concussion can help you understand everything you need to know.
Signs That You Have a Concussion
Concussion symptoms often include headaches and difficulties with focus, memory, balance, and coordination, all of which may last from a few days to several months.
In some cases, the symptoms may never go away, interfering with work, school, and social life. The good news is that most people recover entirely as long as they seek appropriate medical guidance.
Usually, signs that you may have suffered a concussion can be classified into two, namely reported and observed symptoms.
Reported symptoms – these are signs reported by individuals with concussions which include:
- Feeling sluggish, foggy, or hazy
- A feeling of being “sickly” or “feeling down.”
- Sleeping problems
- Memory loss (amnesia),
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased sensitivity to light and noise
- Problems keeping balance, dizziness, or double or blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches or a pressure sensation in the head
Observed symptoms – these are signs you can see in a person who has suffered a concussion, which includes:
- Passing out even briefly
- Having a hard time answering simple questions
- Indications of mood, behavioural, or personality changes
- Clumsy or uncoordinated movement
- The patient may appear stunned or dazed
- Slurred speech
- Loss of recollection of the details about the accident
Does a Concussion Test Involve Medical Imaging?
Certainly! During a clinical examination for concussion, you will be required to answer several questions. You may also have to undergo medical imaging tests that involve diagnostic tools such as MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays.
Who Is Most Likely to Experience a Concussion?
Anyone can suffer a concussion. However, young children and adolescents are at a greater risk for a concussion and often take longer to recover fully. This is perhaps because their brains are still developing, meaning their necks and neural pathways are typically weaker than relatively older people.
Other individuals at greater risk for concussion include:
- Victims of physical abuse.
- Anyone involved in a car accident.
- Military personnel due to exposure to explosive devices.
- Adolescents due to sports-related head injuries and bike accidents.
- Older people due to their risk of falls.
- Anyone who has had a previous concussion.