People often associate ‘concussions’ with a hit to the head that knocks someone out for a short time. If you have kids or engage in certain sports or recreational activities, you may have a more in-depth understanding about concussions. Still, it can be hard to know at the time of an injury how seriously to take the risk of a concussion.
Here are 5 facts you should know about concussions.
1. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury.
A concussion occurs when the brain hits the hard, rough inner surface of the skull as the result of physical injury. This can cause tears or fissures in brain tissue among other types of damage. A traumatic brain injury—even a mild one–may turn out to be very problematic. As a type of traumatic brain injury, a concussion is not the same thing as a bump on the head.
2. A concussion doesn’t necessarily involve loss of consciousness.
Although people who suffer a concussion may black out, this isn’t always the case. It’s very important to monitor anyone who suffers a head injury closely. Don’t assume everything’s fine just because the individual can get up, walk around, or even carry on a conversation right away.
3. Concussions involve a variety of symptoms.
Every traumatic brain injury is different, and symptoms of a concussion may vary. Sometimes symptoms affecting the individual’s thinking are obvious. In other cases, there may be a change in appearance, or in how the person moves.
Dizziness, difficulty with balance, slurred speech or disorientation may indicate a concussion. Nausea, vomiting, headaches and blurred vision are some other symptoms.
Symptoms of a concussion can occur hours, days, weeks or even months or years after the injury. Foggy thinking, confusion, sluggishness or irritability are some of the long term or ongoing symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
4. Immediate medical care is a must for anyone suffering a concussion.
Anytime a concussion is suspected, the individual needs immediate medical care. Typically the fastest way to receive the care that is necessary is to visit an emergency room. There are serious risks involved in concussions, including the possibility of brain swelling. Never take a ‘wait and see’ approach when it comes to the possibility of traumatic brain injury.
5. Post-Concussion Syndrome is a serious, debilitating condition.
Post-Concussion Syndrome is a potential problem than can arise for concussion sufferers. Long after the couple of weeks it typically takes to recover from a mild traumatic brain injury, the person experiences problems. They may have difficulties with thinking and struggle with emotional distress as well as physical injuries. Symptoms interact, compounding the person’s problems. Instead of recovering over time, symptoms may worsen.
The vast majority of patients, who seek prompt medical care for concussions, enjoy a full, fairly swift recovery. But for those who don’t, functional neurology is an alternative type of health care that may help.
Functional medicine involves a holistic approach to health care that considers the patient as a whole. A comprehensive approach is particularly well suited for traumatic brain injury patients who are struggling with a wide variety of symptoms, or particularly stubborn ones.