Concussions are unfortunately common, yet decidedly serious injuries. If you think you’ve had a concussion, you need to understand the severity of the situation and make smart decisions for both your short-term health and long-term well-being.
Possible Signs You’ve Had a Concussion
“A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth,” CDC.gov explains. “This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.”
Concussions often don’t get the immediate medical attention they deserve. This is because most people aren’t aware of the symptoms. To ensure you’re properly educated, familiarize yourself with the following signs and symptoms:
- Losing consciousness, passing out, or being very sleepy immediately after a head-related injury
- Severe head pain
- Dizziness or difficulty standing/walking
- Seizures
- Severe headaches and/or nausea
- Confusion or loss of memory
- Persistent headache
- Trouble concentrating
- Fatigue and low energy
- Ongoing moodiness and irritability
- Blurry vision (or other vision problems)
You can’t afford to ignore symptoms of a concussion. Because even if they don’t bother you now, they could contribute to a more serious issue in the future.
As Adamson & Cleveland, LLC explains, “A person with a concussion is highly susceptible to suffering a second concussion if the person suffers head trauma before the first concussion heals. Studies show that people who have suffered multiple concussions are also at risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a degenerative brain disease.”
What to Do if You Suspect a Concussion
While a concussion is never a good thing, some are worse than others. Regardless of the severity of the situation, here’s what you should do if you suspect a concussion or other head-related injury:
- Get an Immediate Medical Evaluation
Whether the incident just happened, or it happened a couple weeks ago, it’s smart to get a medical evaluation. Depending on the extent of your symptoms, your doctor may order neurological testing, CT scans, MRIs, or other tests to look for anything serious.
- Get Plenty of Rest
The next step is to get lots of rest. A concussion takes a toll on you entire body and you can encourage proper healing by sleeping and relaxing. It’s also important to rest your brain.
“Over-stimulating your brain after a head injury will not allow it to rest and recover,” Cleveland Clinic mentions. “Using your brain to think hard, read, study or try to learn new material may be very difficult and may aggravate your condition.”
If you have to process complex information or perform analytical tasks for school or work, only do so in short, isolated stints. Spread it out, take breaks, and avoid prolonged cognitive stimulation. Get help with your work if you need it.
- Avoid These Triggers and Activities
In the days and weeks after your concussion, you’ll need to avoid any triggers or activities that could cause problems. This includes excessive physical activity, strenuous mental activities, driving, and sports. You should also use caution when taking over the counter pain relievers as they may increase your risk of bleeding. (Speak with your doctor to learn more.)
- Be Smart
The main takeaway is to be smart. Injuring your brain isn’t the same as twisting an ankle or scraping your knee. Your brain is a complex, sensitive organ. Take the time to properly care for it so that it can continue to function for years to come.
Prioritize Your Health
People often make the mistake of not seeing a doctor after a concussion because they’re embarrassed. Others put it off because of the inconvenience factor or cost. But here’s the thing: Nothing matters more than your health. And if there’s one part of your health that matters most, it’s your brain. By acting swiftly and sufficiently, you can lessen the chances of severe, long-term side effects. Best of luck – and don’t delay!