- Monitor symptoms closely after a head injury, as they can indicate a concussion.
- Dizziness, confusion, and headaches are common signs of a concussion that should not be taken lightly.
- Tests such as MRI scans, CT scans, and neurological assessments are used to diagnose a concussion.
- Recovery from a concussion involves rest, taking medications as prescribed, and avoiding activities that can cause another head injury or slow healing.
- Avoiding alcohol during the recovery period is also vital to ensure complete healing.
Letting a concussion go undiagnosed is hazardous, as it can lead to severe long-term damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 173,000 U.S. emergency department visits involved a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) from sports and recreation activities, and 30% of those visits were related to concussions or other TBIs from team sports.
In addition to emergency room visits resulting from undiagnosed concussions, several other potential risks are associated with not seeking medical attention promptly after experiencing a head injury. If left untreated, a concussion can cause confusion, headaches, nausea, and dizziness that may last for weeks or months after the incident. It can also increase an individual’s risk of developing epilepsy in later life or depression in adulthood. Furthermore, complications such as post-concussion syndrome can occur if the brain does not have time to heal due to the lack of medical attention.
If you suspect a concussion, you might have to take several steps to ensure you stay healthy. Here are a few of them:
Observe Symptoms
If you have experienced a head injury and suspect a concussion, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. This will not only help you identify any potential issues that may require medical attention but will also give you peace of mind knowing that you are taking steps to ensure your safety. By observing the symptoms associated with a concussion, such as dizziness, confusion, and headaches, you can detect any changes in their severity or new symptoms that may appear. This information can be used to determine whether further medical examination or treatment is necessary.
Dizziness
Dizziness is one of the most common signs of a concussion. It is often accompanied by nausea and balance problems. People who experience dizziness after a head injury should seek medical attention immediately to rule out severe neurological complications.
Confusion
Confusion can be another sign of a severe head injury and should not be taken lightly. If you experience confusion after hitting your head, it could indicate that there has been damage to the brain tissue and therefore warrant an immediate trip to the emergency room for evaluation by a physician.
Headaches
Headaches caused by a concussion may start immediately following the injury or up to several days later. They can range from mild to severe and last for hours or even days if left untreated. If your headache persists or worsens over time, it can indicate that your brain is still healing, and professional medical attention should be sought accordingly.
Delayed Symptoms
It is important to note that some concussion symptoms may be delayed or absent until days or weeks after the initial injury. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms in the days following your head injury, it is essential to consult with a medical professional as soon as possible.
Consult a Doctor for Tests
Getting tested for a concussion is an essential step in the recovery process. A medical professional can provide tests that will help determine the severity and extent of the injury, as well as assess any potential long-term effects. Standard concussion diagnostic tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, and neurological assessments.
MRI scans detect internal bleeding or swelling on the brain, which may indicate more severe damage. The effects of a concussion might prevent you from lying down, especially when the damage makes you uncomfortable or even feel pain. Fortunately, you can get a private upright MRI scanner to give you the same imaging quality without lying down.
CT scans provide detailed images of the brain’s structure that can be compared to previous scans to see how it has been affected by a head injury. Neurological assessments evaluate mental status, balance, coordination, memory, and reflexes to determine if the damage has impacted them.
Go on a Recovery Path
Once you learn the severity of your concussion, you can start nursing yourself back to total health. The recovery path will differ from person to person, but most likely, it will involve rest and taking medications as recommended. It is essential to follow the instructions given by your doctor and take time off of work or school if necessary.
Finally, avoid any activities that could put you at risk for a second head injury before you have fully healed. It would be best to avoid alcohol during recovery, as this can potentially slow down the healing process.
Final Thoughts
If you experience a head injury and think it may have caused a concussion, take immediate steps to help ensure your safety. Monitor the symptoms closely and visit an emergency room for necessary tests. With proper medical evaluation and treatment, you can recover and get back to doing the activities you love in no time.
