A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury and occurs after an impact to the head. Not every injury will result in a concussion; however, they are common. Nearly early 3 million people a year in the USA will sustain an injury resulting in a concussion. Many attribute that concussions are the result of sports injuries, car accidents, or physical trauma. Even though the most common cause of a concussion is a sports injury, it is important to know a concussion can occur from simple everyday activities such as a fall or even after jumping on the bed and hitting your head on the ceiling.
Symptoms
The symptoms may vary depending on the level of severity of the concussion. The symptoms may be immediate, or they may develop a few days or weeks after the injury.
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- Double vision
- Irritability
Symptoms in babies and toddlers may include vomiting, drainage from their mouth, nose, ears, irritability, and drowsiness. The good news is that babies and children have a higher chance of recovering within a few days of the injury.
Recovery
Most people completely recover from their concussions, but it may take months for the symptoms to disappear. There is no definite timeline for recovery. Some people take a few weeks while others can take months to recover. Here are the recovery steps:
- Rest – it is important to rest a few days after the concussion. People should limit their physical activities and thinking or memory activities. Children who suffered from trauma should only do calm activities like talking to family and friends, coloring, and drawing.
It is also essential to limit screen time, especially before going to sleep. Avoid playing video games, texting, watching TV, and using social media. These activities may worsen the concussion symptoms, so it is vital to avoid them.
Make sure to get plenty of rest and sleep to allow the brain to recover fully.
- Light activity - As you start to feel better, gradually return to regular (non-strenuous) activities like walking and watching tv. After a few days, you may return to school/work. However, it needs to be done gradually so the brain is not strained. It is also essential to reduce day-time naps and try to return to a regular schedule.
- Moderate activity – at this point, the symptoms may seem nearly gone, but it is important not to push anything too fast and allow proper recovery. People can go back to normal activities and their regular schedules. If the activities seem to be too much, it is crucial to stop and slow.
- Back to regular activity – after these steps are taken, you can return to normal activities.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Most people feel better after a few weeks of the concussion. However, some people can experience symptoms for months after the injury. When people experience prolonged concussion symptoms, it is known as Post-Concussion Syndrome.
Some experts believe that prolonged symptoms may be caused by structural damage to the brain or disruption of the nerves' messaging system (caused by the impact on the brain). If you are experiencing symptoms after a prolonged period, see a medical professional!
Concussions are severe but can be treated if you take the recovery seriously. It may seem impossible to stay away from your screen and take time to recover. However, it is essential to avoid more damage to the brain.