Concussion’ is a term that is popular in the sports circle, but it’s not exclusive to sports injuries. Concussions are a type of traumatic injury to the brain, although the trauma is considered relatively mild, as opposed to the other brain injuries.
In this injury, one sustains a sharp or sudden blow to the head, which is why it is classified as a whiplash injury. As a result of the blow, brain and head are shaken back and forth, or to and fro. The injury then causes bruised nerves and blood vessels. It also leads to chemical changes in the brain as well.
Whereas some people pass out in the aftermath of a concussion, in others, the injury is not as dramatic. In fact, most people do not lose consciousness after getting such a head injury. Concussions are the most benign type of brain injury and generally tend to have a good prognosis.
However, getting multiple concussions over a period of time can cause structural changes and issues in the brain, that then require the expertise of the top Neuro Surgeon in Lahore.
Symptoms of a concussion in adults
The most common symptom of a concussion is a headache; naturally, a blow to the head will result in pain in the region. Other physical issues that occur after a concussion include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and noise, ringing in the ears.
Since the brain plays a vital role in balance, people tend to have coordination problems after getting a concussion. Likewise, their sleep is also severely affected.
Due to the altered mental state in the aftermath of the injury, people might also have trouble comprehending things. Their ability to concentrate is also affected. Some also experience memory loss and tend to forget things at the time of the injury. Reflexes can also get reduced due to concussions.
People also feel disoriented and tired after a concussion. They might feel dazed and confused. Their speech can also become slurred, whereas the vision becomes blurry. At times, their forgetfulness is so acute, that they might also ask for the same information over and over again, not realizing they already just did that.
Mood issues can also result from the injury. Irritability, sadness, depression are common emotions experienced by people in this state. Altered taste is also one of the symptoms of concussion.
Symptoms of a concussion in children
Since children can also sustain concussions, rather, concussions are actually very common amongst children, parents need to watch out for the signs of them. Symptoms of concussion in children include vomiting, changed sleep patterns, incessant crying.
Children also then become crankier and more irritated. Their gait is also affected, and they lose balance due to the injury. Their diet also gets disturbed.
Alongside low energy levels, concussions also cause behavioral changes in children; they tend to become disinterested in their favorite things and appear lost and restless. Some children may also get seizures from the injury.
Treating concussions
The treatment for concussion is contingent on the severity of the symptoms. Mild cases can be treated at home even. The treatment most often involves using OTC painkillers like acetaminophen. Avoid painkillers like aspirin that can increase the risk of bleeding.
People are also then required to get sufficient rest. Activities that might wear them out are also to be disbanded till full recovery. Things that put a strain on the mind and require concentration are also to be put on hold, till recovery. Therefore, forget about getting back to video games or homework after sustaining a concussion, and instead rest for at least 2 days.
Since concussion has an impact on reflexes and sight, people are also not allowed to drive for at least a day after their accident. The screen is also to be avoided immediately after the injury, due to the sensitivity to light.
As alcohol interferes with the process of recovery, therefore, people are not allowed its intake till after they have recovered.
Your doctor might then allow you to gradually get back to life, with gradual being the operative word. Do not take up too much work, instead build up slowly, with plenty of breaks in between. Some people might have to get therapies like cognitive rehabilitation for jogging up their memory, rehabilitation for balance, as concussion also gravely impacts mobility.
Most often, the symptoms get better in weeks, if not days. However, some patients might have complications that last for longer, known as post-concussion syndrome. Commonly observed signs include mood problems, headaches, feeling unsteady.
It is a good practice nonetheless, to visit a Neuro Surgeon in Karachi if your symptoms of concussion persist even after 14 days.
