When one is involved in an accident, the brain may suffer an injury that results in severe symptoms. Anyone can be a victim, whether young or old. The signs should begin to subside within two to three weeks. However, if you do not notice improvements after some time it is recommended that you seek professional help to check if there is significant damage. MindSet is a San Diego concussion treatment center that helps you recover from post-concussion syndrome and resume a normal routine.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Usually, after a concussion you may not immediately begin to experience the symptoms. They come after some days or weeks. Some might even take longer. Common symptoms include:
· Headache
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Blurry vision
· Fatigue or drowsiness
The victim will experience the above symptoms. Other people will begin to notice a temporary loss of consciousness in the person affected, dazed appearance, slurred speech, forgetfulness, and delayed response.
Symptoms that show much later include:
· Sensitivity to noises and light
· Sleep disturbances
· Problems with taste and smell
· Irritability and behavior change
· Difficulties with memory and concentration
Children may have problems with balance. For athletes, doctors recommend that they should wait until the symptoms are completely gone to resume play. They should wait until a health professional has done a full medical exam to determine if the problem is gone in severe concussions.
Causes of Concussions
The human brain is made of very soft tissue, protected from harm by the skull and spinal fluid. When an individual suffers a head blow, it can impact their brain or even cause it to move around their head. In severe conditions, it damages the nerves and the surrounding blood vessels. This is usually what causes the symptoms, as the brain fails to function as required. The injury could be caused by:
· Not wearing proper gear in contact sports
· Bicycle, motorcycle, or vehicle accident
· Blows in military service
· Falls in both adults and children
· A previously suffered concussion
· Physical abuse
Sometimes when the blood vessels are damaged, the victim may bleed excessively, and it is fatal in severe cases.
What are the complications of concussions?
In addition to the symptoms above, a victim may also experience:
· Post-traumatic headaches: The headaches could extend to a period more than a week after brain injury.
· Second impact syndrome: In other cases, one may experience an additional concussion even before the first one's impact has completely gone. The second one may be more severe and could cause serious brain swelling.
· Post-traumatic vertigo: Months after a concussion, the victim may experience dizziness and spinning.
· Cumulative effects: This occurs when the head suffers repeated injuries.
· Post-concussion syndrome: This condition is when concussion symptoms persist for more than three weeks after injury.
It is essential to wear protective gear when playing high-risk games. Also, people should buckle up to minimize injuries in case of a car accident. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should seek medical help, especially if symptoms persist. Request an appointment with MindSet for more information and treatment.