What You Need to Know About Concussion

A concussion is one of the most common traumatic brain injuries. Statistics show that around 3.8 million concussions happen in the U.S. annually. Most of these concussion cases happen through recreational sports and activities. When you get a concussion, you will have a higher chance of sustaining another, raising your risk of more brain damage. Therefore, if you experience a concussion or symptoms such as balance and memory issues, you should seek appropriate medical care as soon as possible. Little Silver internal medicine serves as an effective treatment option to help heal your brain. Here is a look at everything you need to know about concussions.

What Exactly Is a Concussion?

This type of traumatic brain injury results from whiplash or blow. This impact causes your brain and head to shake back or forth. The sudden impact causes temporary chemical changes in the brain resulting in a momentarily changed mental state.

What Are the Causes of Concussions?

Your brain is cushioned from your skull by a protective cerebrospinal fluid. However, high-impact activities that shake your skull violently can make the brain hit the sides of the skull. One of the major causes of concussions is high-impact sports like boxing, hockey, or football. Even protective headgear cannot fully prevent concussion. Also, high-impact collisions from car or motorcycle accidents are responsible for concussion cases.

What Are the Common Concussion Symptoms?

If you get a concussion, you may experience immediate symptoms, or the symptoms might appear after several days or weeks. Some common symptoms of concussion include; dizziness, seizures, memory loss, confusion, vision problems, balance loss, difficulty sleeping, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Understanding how to identify concussion symptoms is a valuable life skill, particularly when caring for young kids who can’t communicate properly.

How Is a Concussion Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing any concussion symptoms, your medical specialist will begin by conducting some tests to evaluate your brain for structural issues and neurological function. These diagnostic tests include; impact testing to evaluate cognitive function, videonystagmography (VNG) to examine balance disorders, MRI to analyze diffuse nerve injuries, and a balance tracking system to diagnose possible balance issues.

What Are the Treatment Options for Concussions?

Different individuals experience varying concussion symptoms. This means that the treatment varies based on your particular symptoms. Concussion specialists use a range of non-invasive treatments to manage concussion symptoms, such as therapies, pain relievers, and mind-body techniques. During your recovery, doctors recommend that you avoid strenuous activity, avoid traveling by bike or car and get a lot of rest. After treatment, the recovery period can take weeks or months, depending on the severity of your condition.

Ultimately, you can easily prevent a concussion, but accidents do occur. Although they are not life-threatening, some concussion symptoms can be life-changing. If you get a concussion or experience a head or neck injury and think you might have a concussion, ensure to visit an internal medicine specialist for consultation and diagnosis. The treatments focus on observing and treating concussion symptoms and preventing long-lasting damage. For recovery, it is recommendable to ensure you get a prolonged recovery amount.