Possible Concussion? Don’t Wait! Act Now!

• Mild TBI Related to a Concussion: Temporary symptoms like headaches, dizziness, memory issues, or confusion. Symptoms usually resolve in days to weeks but can last longer and is called post-concussion syndrome.

• Moderate to Severe TBI: More serious effects, including longer loss of consciousness, cognitive impairment, or permanent damage.

Even though a concussion is classified as a mild TBI, it should still be taken seriously, as repeated concussions can lead to long-term neurological issues.

• Headache or pressure in the head

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Nausea or vomiting

• Blurred or double vision

• Ringing in the ears

• Confusion or feeling “foggy”

• Memory problems (not remembering the injury or events before/after it)

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Brief loss of consciousness (not always present)

Delayed Symptoms (Hours to Days)

• Persistent headache that won’t go away

• Irritability, anxiety, or emotional changes

• Sleep problems (too much or too little sleep)

• Feeling slow, groggy, or sluggish

• Worsening memory or concentration issues

Call 911 or go to the ER if you have:

• Worsening headache

• Repeated vomiting

• Slurred speech

• Seizures

• One pupil larger than the other

• Weakness, numbness, or coordination problems

• Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking up

• Increasing confusion or agitation

Even if your symptoms seem mild, it’s best to see a doctor to assess for a concussion, especially if you have a history of TBIs, as repeat injuries can cause long-term damage.

• Impact vs. Injury:

  • Simply hitting your head might cause a bruise or minor pain without affecting brain function.

  • Concussion occurs when the force of the impact is enough to temporarily alter brain function, leading to symptoms like confusion, headache, or memory issues.

If you experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or sensitivity to light after the impact, it could indicate a concussion. However, the absence of these symptoms usually means you haven’t sustained one.

The risk of a concussion increases with the severity of the hit. Not all impacts are strong enough to cause a concussion. If you’re unsure or if symptoms develop after a head injury, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper assessment.

Testing for a concussion usually involves a combination of clinical evaluations and symptom assessments rather than a single definitive test. Here’s how it’s generally done:

• Symptom Check:
  A healthcare professional will ask about the symptoms you experienced immediately after the injury and how they’ve changed over time (e.g., headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea).

• Medical History:
  They will review your past head injuries and overall medical history to understand potential risks.

• Cognitive Tests:
  Standardized tools like the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT5) or other neuropsychological tests help evaluate memory, attention, concentration, and reaction time.

• Balance and Coordination:
  Simple balance tests (e.g., standing on one foot or walking in a straight line) are often used, as balance problems are common after a concussion.

• Eye Movement and Reflexes:
  The exam may include tests for vision, reflexes, and other neurological functions to check for signs of brain injury.

• Physical Examination:
  This includes checking for tenderness, swelling, or bruising on the head and neck.

Imaging Tests (if necessary)

• CT Scan or MRI:
  These imaging tests aren’t routinely used for a concussion since they usually appear normal but may be ordered if there is suspicion of a more severe brain injury or bleeding.

A concussion is a functional injury, meaning it affects how the brain works rather than its structure. As a result, standard imaging tests might not show any abnormalities. The diagnosis is made based on symptoms and performance on cognitive and physical tests.

If you suspect a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly so that you can receive a proper evaluation and guidance on recovery.

Treatment for a concussion primarily focuses on rest and gradual recovery, as there’s no quick fix or specific medication that “cures” the injury. Here’s an overview of the recommended treatment steps:

1. Physical and Cognitive Rest

• Physical Rest:
  Limit activities that could lead to another head injury, including sports or strenuous exercise, until symptoms improve.

• Cognitive Rest:
  Reduce activities that require intense concentration such as reading, screen time, or schoolwork. This helps your brain recover.

2. Symptom Management

• Headaches and Pain:
  Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen may be recommended, but it’s best to follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

• Avoiding Overstimulation:
  Dim lights, reduce noise, and take breaks from activities that worsen symptoms.

3. Gradual Return to Activity

• Stepwise Approach:
  Once symptoms begin to improve, you can slowly reintroduce physical and mental activities in a controlled manner. A healthcare professional can guide you through a gradual “return-to-play” protocol.

• Monitoring Symptoms:
  Keep track of any changes. If symptoms worsen during activity, it may be a sign to slow down the pace of recovery.

4. Professional Follow-Up

• Medical Supervision:
  Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are important. They can tailor advice based on your specific symptoms and progress.

• Specialized Rehabilitation:
  For prolonged or severe symptoms, therapies such as physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, or vestibular therapy may be beneficial.

When a concussion is ignored or not given adequate time to heal, and you experience another one, the risks increase significantly:

• Second Impact Syndrome:
  This is a rare but dangerous condition where a second concussion occurs before the first one has fully healed, leading to rapid and severe brain swelling that can be life-threatening.

• Cumulative Brain Damage:
  Repeated concussions can lead to long-term cognitive and neurological issues. Over time, these may manifest as:

  • Memory loss

  • Difficulties with concentration

  • Mood and behavioral changes

  • Chronic headaches

• Increased Susceptibility to Future Injuries:
  A brain that has not fully healed is more vulnerable. Continued impacts may result in longer recovery times and a higher risk of permanent damage.

• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE):
  Though more commonly associated with repetitive head injuries over a long period, repeated concussions have been linked to CTE—a degenerative brain disease that can lead to significant cognitive, emotional, and motor impairments later in life.

Think of it this way: the brain controls who we are. I mean, everything–how we think, how we feel, our preferences, our senses. EVERYTHING! So play sports or drive yourself around, but if you have an accident, and if you’re finding out about possible concussion for the first time, now you know what to do.