According to Brain Injury Canada, approximately 200,000 people suffer concussions every year. In fact, it's suspected that the figure could be much higher, as many people are unaware of the symptoms of a concussion and therefore don't seek medical attention.
This article therefore deals with the symptoms of a concussion, how to identify them and how to treat them.
Definition of concussion
A concussion is a relatively common traumatic brain injury and, if treated, is not serious. This injury is temporary and affects brain function.
It can be caused by a direct blow to the head, or by rapid movement, as in the case of whiplash. So, the definition of concussion is literally the displacement of the brain inside the head, resulting in disorientation.
The symptoms of a concussion can vary depending on the impact suffered by the individual, which is why, as has already been established, many people don't realize they've suffered a concussion and assume they're simply disoriented by the incident.
In principle, they are not serious. However, if not properly treated, they can worsen symptoms. What's more, if a person suffers several concussions, they are more likely to suffer from illnesses such as Parkinson's disease or depression.
Symptoms of a concussion
With this in mind, it's essential to get concussion treatment to avoid long-term problems. So here are the signs of concussion to look out for, especially after an accident involving the head.
1. Headaches
Headache is often the first sign of concussion that people notice. When it comes to concussion, the pain can occur hours or even days after the blow or movement in question, which is why some people mistake it for simple discomfort. However, it should be noted that in the case of a concussion, the pain is located in the front of the head.
Similarly, when it comes to concussion symptoms , the headache doesn't change when standing up and is sudden.
This headache can be accompanied by dizziness and even vomiting, depending on the level of pain.
2. Vision disorders
This is one of the most important symptoms of a concussion, and one that should alert everyone. Vision problems can take the form of blurred images, double vision or the appearance of lights.
3. Confusion
As the brain moves, one of the most common concussion symptoms is disorientation and confusion.
In fact, contrary to popular belief, this sign of concussion is much more common than fainting. The person may forget what he or she was doing, or be confused about events.
4. Sensitivity to light and sound
After a concussion, two of the most frequently reported concussion symptoms are sensitivity to light and noise.
This is due to the "blow" to the brain and the confusion that accompanies it. That's why we recommend resting in the dark as part of concussion treatment .
Symptoms of a severe concussion
Having mentioned the most common signs of a concussion, it's time to talk about the symptoms of a serious concussion. Whatever the signs, you should always consult a doctor to determine the severity of the injury after a shock or traumatic movement to the head.
However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, certain symptoms of a severe concussion should be reported to medical professionals.
First of all, it's very rare to lose consciousness following a simple concussion. Therefore, if the person loses consciousness, he or she should be taken immediately to the emergency room.
Difficulty speaking or answering simple questions are also worrying signs of concussion.
In addition, a larger-than-life pupil or epileptic seizures indicate that the concussion was much more serious than it first appears.
Duration of a concussion
Once the doctor has verified the condition of the brain injury, the duration of a concussion and its symptoms is relatively short. Most symptoms disappear within a week or two, with rest and avoidance of physical activities that could lead to a second injury.
When it comes to concussion treatment, the first few days are crucial, and activities requiring concentration, bright lights and loud noises should be avoided.
It is also advisable to sleep well during the recovery period. Once the symptoms of a concussion have disappeared, daily activities can be resumed, but the treating physician's recommendations must always be taken into account.
Indeed, depending on the severity or nature of the blow that caused the concussion, as well as the person's age, recovery needs may be different. For example, a concussion in a child may affect behavior and symptoms differently because the brain is still developing.
Symptoms of concussion can last more than two weeks. However, if they persist for more than two months, or if they worsen over time, it is necessary to consult a doctor and check the condition of the brain. Other treatments can also be tried, for example, physiotherapy has proved to be an effective method of reducing concussion symptoms.
For more information on health and physiotherapy, please visit our blog. To find out more about our services, including concussion treatment options, you can visit the official Physiobalance website.