Concussions
How can you tell if you have had a concussion? Is it always serious? And what should you do if you have a concussion? Here are answers to some important questions about concussions.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is most often caused by a sudden direct blow or bump to the head.
When you sustain a concussion, the impact can jolt your brain. The brain is made of soft tissue. It’s cushioned by spinal fluid and encased in the protective shell of the skull. Traumatic brain injuries can cause bruising, damage to the blood vessels, and injury to the nerves.
If you’ve suffered a concussion your brain doesn’t function normally and your vision may be disturbed. You may lose your equilibrium, or you may fall unconscious.
What are the signs of a concussion?
Concussions can be difficult to diagnose. Though you may have a visible mark, cut or bruise on your head, you can’t actually see a concussion. Signs may not appear for days or weeks after the injury. Some symptoms last for just seconds; others may linger.
Concussions are fairly common. Some estimates say a mild brain trauma is sustained every 21 seconds in the U.S. But it’s important to recognize the signs of a concussion so you can take the proper steps to treat the injury.
There are some common physical, mental, and emotional symptoms a person may display following a concussion. Any of these could be a sign of traumatic brain injury:
- clumsiness
- slurred speech
- sluggishness
- nausea or vomiting
- confusion or feeling dazed
- headache
- balance problems or dizziness
- blurred vision
- sensitivity to light
- sensitivity to noise
- memory loss
- ringing in ears
- behavior or personality changes
- concentration difficulties
What are the different types of concussions?
Concussions are graded as:
Mild (grade 1) – symptoms last for less than 15 minutes. There is no loss of consciousness.
Moderate (grade 2) – there is no loss of consciousness but symptoms last longer than 15 minutes.
Severe (grade 3) – the person loses consciousness, sometimes just for a few seconds.
The severity of the concussion depends on such factors as loss of consciousness, amnesia, and loss of equilibrium.
What should I do if I have a concussion?
How serious a concussion is, dictates what kind of treatment you should seek. Most people with concussions fully recover with appropriate treatment. But since a concussion can be serious. Here are a few steps to take:
- Seek medical attention. A health care professional can decide how serious the concussion is and whether you require treatment. If you have suffered a grade 1 or grade 2 concussion, wait until symptoms are gone before returning to normal activities. That could take several minutes, hours, days, or even a week.
If you have sustained a grade 3 concussion, see a doctor immediately for observation and treatment. A doctor will ask how the head injury happened and discuss the symptoms. The doctor may also ask you simple questions such as “Where do you live?” “What is your name?” or “Who is the president?” The doctor asks these questions to evaluate your memory and concentration skills.
If hospitalization is not required, the doctor will provide instructions for your recovery. Aspirin-free medications may be prescribed and you will be advised to take it easy. Experts recommend follow-up medical attention within 24 to 72 hours if symptoms worsen.
Importantly, if you have a seizure, immediately see a doctor.
- Take a break. If your concussion was sustained during athletic activity, stop play and sit it out. Your brain needs time to properly heal, so rest is key. Athletes and children should be closely monitored by coaches upon resuming play. If you resume play too soon, you risk a greater chance of having a second concussion, which can compound the damage.
Download the SCAT Card (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool)
This tool represents a standardized method of evaluating people after concussion in sport.
Can I prevent a concussion?
By its very nature, a concussion is unexpected, so it is tough to prevent. But there are several commonsense precautions you can take to lessen the possibility of traumatic brain injury.
- Wear protective equipment. Participation in high-contact, high-risk sports such as football, hockey, boxing, and soccer can increase the likelihood of a concussion. Skateboarding, snowboarding, horseback riding, and blading are also a threat to your brain’s health. Wearing headgear, padding, and mouth and eye guards can help safeguard you against traumatic head injuries. Wearing a bike helmet can lower your risk of traumatic head injury by 85%. Ensure that the equipment is properly fitted, well maintained, and worn consistently
