The real damage of concussions to your brain and health
Have you ever gotten a headache after being hit in the head? Or, have you been knocked out? Any time you hit your head there is a risk of
getting a concussion. Concussions are a
type of traumatic brain injury.
The brain floats within the skull and is surrounded by
cerebrospinal fluid. With a direct blow
to the head or a whiplash event, the brain can move hitting the inside of the skull. A direct blow to the head occurs when someone
hits their head on another moving or stationary object. Whiplash events are sudden back and forth
movements of the head and neck. Each of
these events to the head and neck cause injury to the brain, in which it does
not function normally. Concussions are
usually not visible on x-ray or other images.
However, with a traumatic brain injury, the normal chemical interactions
within the brain are interrupted.
Signs and symptoms of a concussion are different for each person, as well as with each separate occurrence. The severity of these signs and symptoms may also vary. Below is a non-inclusive list of concussion signs and symptoms:
- Memory problems
- Headache
- “Pressure in head”
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vision problems, such as double vision or blurred vision
- Balance changes
- Coordination problems
- Apparent loss of consciousness
- Sensitivity to light, noise, or movement
- Feeling like in a “fog”
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue or low energy
- Confusion
- Drowsiness or sleeping more than normal
- Sleeping less than normal
- More emotional, especially sadness and depression
- Amnesia
- Ringing in the ears
- Slurred and/or inappropriate speech
- Repeating the same questions/comments
- Abnormal vision, hearing, smell, and/or taste
- Difficulty with concentration, memory, organization skills
- Move slowly and/or clumsily
- Increased irritability
If the signs and symptoms of a concussion are ignored, there
is a significant risk of permanent neurological damage or death. While healing from a concussion the brain is
more vulnerable to subsequent head trauma.
Even after healed from a head injury, you are at higher risk of
sustaining future concussions.
What to do if you have a concussion
- If exercising or at work, immediately stop participation in what you are doing
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery
- Do not take any medication unless instructed to do so by a qualified healthcare professional; do NOT take Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications
- Do not drink alcohol
- Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine
- Limit computer, cellphone, and television time
- Avoid spicy and greasy foods
- Seek immediate medical attention if there is a
- Loss of consciousness
- Significant change in vital signs
- If the person is overly tired or confused
- Changes in any of the 5 senses (hearing, vision, taste, smell, or touch)
How to avoid head injuries
- Wear your helmet – helmets should properly fit you
- Never use your head as a weapon
- Stay hydrated
- Eat a balanced diet
- Do not ignore the signs and symptoms of a concussion
Most times concussions heal when the injured person follows
appropriate rest and return to activity guidelines. Prolonged symptoms can be treated by your
medical team.
By: J. Scott, DPT, ATC, CSCS, TASC-F
Sources: The Brain Injury Association of America
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