One of the most common brain injuries patients complain about is concussions. This condition happens upon an injury that violently shakes the head. Car accidents, fighting, sports, and recreational activities are the main causes of sudden blows and bumps to the head that lead to concussions. It is important to seek emergency Atlanta concussion treatment to reduce your risk of serious brain complications like internal bleeding.
What are the causes and risk factors of concussion?
The brain contains soft tissue which receives cushioning from spinal fluid and protection from the skull. The impact of hitting your head can cause a jolt in your brain. Intense trauma to your head can cause bruising and damage to blood vessels and nerves.
The result of a blow to the head is a malfunctioning brain. Patients with a concussion experience disturbed vision, instability, and unconsciousness.
The following are the risk factors for a concussion:
- Contact sports
- Falls on kids and the elderly
- Vehicle accidents
- Physical abuse
- Fighting
- Military service
- A history of concussion
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
It is challenging to diagnose concussions accurately. Your head might be bleeding, but you may not experience any signs of concussion until days or weeks after the incident.
Concussions are among the most common head injuries in the United States. Ensure you receive a comprehensive head evaluation after an injury to recognize early signs of concussion and thus take necessary steps to treat the problem.
The following are physical, mental, and emotional signs of a concussion:
- Clumsiness
- Confusion
- Unclear speech
- Migraine
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Trouble concentrating
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sluggishness
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Ringing in ears
- Irritability
- Loss of consciousness
- Forgetfulness, such as repeating yourself
- Inability to comprehend questions
- Problems with taste
- A sensitive nose
How to recognize concussion in kids
Children have larger heads relative to the rest of their bodies. This makes them vulnerable to concussions. Children experience faster height and weight gain during puberty, making them susceptible to accidents.
Monitor your child for the first 24 hours after an injury to check for signs of concussion. Do not medicate your child because medicines such as ibuprofen and aspirin can promote bleeding. Talk to a doctor to determine the best route of action.
Behavioral changes can signal a concussion. Children are unable to process and communicate what they feel accurately. Therefore, close monitoring is key to detecting behavioral changes.
A concussion is unexpected, so it is tough to prevent. But you can take several easy precautions to lessen the possibility of traumatic brain injury.
Can you prevent concussions?
It is tough to prevent concussions since their occurrence is sudden. However, taking common sense precautions when performing risky activities can reduce the chance of a traumatic brain injury. For example:
- Wear protective equipment when performing high-contact sports like football.
- Obey speed limits and always wear a seatbelt when driving. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol.
- Do not fight.
- Declutter your floors to limit falls.
Contact Spine Center Atlanta if you suspect your child has a concussion to receive a specialist’s recommendation on treating the head injury.
