Concussions are a type of brain injury that can occur from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. A concussion is a severe medical condition that should always be treated by a healthcare professional.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Concussion
Concussions can also occur from a fall or hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.
Signs and symptoms of a concussion may show up right after the injury or could take days or weeks to develop fully.
If you think you or someone else has a concussion, it is important to see a healthcare professional right away. Concussions can have lasting effects if they are not appropriately treated.
Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness. It is considered a more serious concussion if you lose consciousness even for a brief moment.
A concussion can cause changes in the way your brain functions. These changes can be temporary or last for a long time, or even permanently. Concussions can range in severity from mild to severe, and they can have a variety of short- and long-term effects.
You may have problems with:
- Thinking (cognition)
- Remembering (memory)
- Balance
- Coordination
- Reaction time
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Sleep problems (trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual)
It is important to see a healthcare professional right away if you think you or someone else has a concussion, especially if the person has lost consciousness, is showing signs of a more severe concussion, or is not improving.
Concussion Care
Concussion care usually involves resting the brain and taking medications to help with symptoms. Some people also require physical therapy or rehabilitation after a concussion.
Every concussion is unique and requires an individualized treatment approach. A variety of health care professionals can be involved in the management of concussions, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Kinesiologists, Chiropractors, Clinical Counsellors, and Clinical Psychologists. Each of these disciplines has specific training and expertise that can help optimize recovery.
For example, Occupational Therapists focus on helping patients regain independence in activities of daily living, while Physiotherapists focus on restoring physical function. Kinesiologists can create customized exercise programs to help with symptom management and fall prevention, while Chiropractors concentrate on the management of musculoskeletal pain.
Clinical Counsellors and Clinical Psychologists provide support to help patients cope with the psychological effects of a concussion, such as anxiety and depression. Healthcare professionals from different disciplines can provide comprehensive care for concussions by working collaboratively.
The goal of treatment is to help the individual manage their symptoms and gradually return to their pre-injury level of functioning. If you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, don’t hesitate to seek out the help of a qualified healthcare professional.
Concussion Research
While concussions are relatively common, there is still much we don’t know about them. For example, we don’t yet fully understand how concussions cause changes in the brain or why some people recover quickly while others experience long-term problems. However, researchers are working hard to find answers to these questions.
In recent years, there have been significant advances in our understanding of concussions, and new treatments and preventions are being developed all the time. With continued research, we will hopefully be able to improve outcomes for people with concussions and make these injuries less common.