Signs of Concussion You Should Know
If you have ever experienced a blow to the head, you need to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of concussion. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can occur after an impact or sudden jolt to your head. A Falls Church concussion can often cause problems with thinking, memory, speech, and physical balance.
The proper way to know if you suffer a concussion is to get a diagnosis from a medical professional. Your doctor will do a physical exam and may order imaging tests to rule out other serious brain injuries.
Common signs of concussion include:
Headache
One of the most common signs of a concussion is a headache that doesn’t go away. It can be mild, moderate, or severe in intensity and may worsen with physical activity or loud noises. When you experience a headache, rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Memory loss
It could be a sign of concussion if you cannot recall the events leading up to or following your head injury. This can range from forgetting things that happened just before your accident to not being able to remember where you are.
Nausea and vomiting
Did you experience nausea or vomiting after a head injury? If so, it could be a sign of concussion. Nausea and vomiting can occur due to the brain’s inability to send normal signals to your body.
Blurred vision
Blurry vision typically occurs after a severe blow to the head and is often accompanied by headaches, dizziness, and nausea. If you have blurred vision after a head injury, avoid activities that require visual concentration until your vision improves.
Dizziness and loss of balance
It could be a sign of concussion if you experience dizziness or difficulty balancing after a head injury. This is because the brain can become damaged, so it has difficulty sending the right signals to your body.
Sensitivity to light and noise
Another symptom of concussion is sensitivity to light and noise. This can include feeling like sunlight, artificial light is too bright, experiencing a ringing in the ears, or even being unable to tolerate loud noises. If you experience any of these symptoms, try to rest in a dark and quiet room.
Emotional changes
This could include feeling irritable or having outbursts of anger for no apparent reason. You need to be aware that these sudden emotional changes can occur after a head injury and may be related to the concussion.
There are various treatment options for concussion, including:
- Medication: When you experience a concussion, your doctor may prescribe medications to help you manage the symptoms. These can include pain relievers, anti-nausea drugs, and muscle relaxants.
- Cognitive rest is essential for treating a concussion as it helps your brain heal. This means limiting activities that require concentration or prolonged thinking.
- Physical therapy: Your doctor may refer you to physical therapy if you experience balance and coordination issues after your concussion. This type of therapy can help retrain your brain so it can better control the body’s movements.
- Counseling: If you struggle with emotional changes due to your concussion, counseling can help you better manage your emotions.
If you suspect that you have a concussion, consult your doctor at Integrated Neurology Services.
