A concussion occurs when you receive a blow to the head. It is essentially a head injury that affects how the brain works. Most concussions are caused by accidents and sports. The danger of concussions is that symptoms don't always show up right away. The key to preventing long-term damage is recognizing the symptoms.
Cognitive Symptoms
Because a concussion is a head injury, there will undoubtedly be some type of cognitive effect. Confusion, amnesia (short term or long term), slurred speech, issues with memory or concentration, drowsiness and loss of consciousness are all common cognitive symptoms, states the Mayo Clinic. Always seek medical attention after a concussion and keep your physician updated on the change in symptoms.
Head Symptoms
A bump at the sight of injury is a symptom that is likely to occur directly after a concussion. However, headaches, soreness or tenderness at the site of the injury may not occur for days after a concussion. Although these symptoms may not show up right away, they should dissipate within a few days with adequate rest. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, an examination such as a CT scan or MRI is generally required to rule out any internal brain damage or hemorrhages. He may also suggest that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever for head pain.
Eye and Ear Symptoms
Vision problems, unusual eye movements, dilation or unevenness of pupils, sensitivity to light or noise and ringing in the ears are all eye-specific symptoms. These types of symptoms can be highly volatile. Resting after a concussion is vitally important and can help to prevent the onset of these symptoms. Any changes in eye or ear functioning should be reported to your doctor immediately to avoid long-term damage.
General Symptoms
It is important to seek medical attention after a concussion to learn more about what symptoms can follow. Because some symptoms are delayed and general in nature, it can be difficult to identify when or where they will occur. For this reason, rest and proper treatment are vitally important to protecting yourself and others. For example, changes in stability and balance, increased fatigue or even nausea and vomiting can occur after a concussion. These symptoms are associated with a variety of other illnesses so it could be difficult to discern that these are directly associated with a concussion, particularly if they are delayed. Treat these symptoms traditionally with rest and home remedies and keep your doctor informed of your condition.
