A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that manifests after sustaining a blow to the head. It is also likely for one to sustain this head injury from a blow to the neck or any party of the body that results to sudden movement of the head.
This form of brain injury can occur during recreational activities and sports. A blow to the neck, head or body from a fall or vehicular accident can also result to a concussion.
Indicative signs of a concussion
In most instances, an individual with a concussion will not lose consciousness. Various symptoms can manifest such as the following:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Dazed appearance
- Nausea
If an individual has symptoms of a concussion after sustaining a blow to the neck, head or body, it is recommended to stop activity. - Slow response to questions
- Balance issues
- Dizziness
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Sleep changes
- Changes in behavior or mood
Take note that the symptoms might be present immediately after the injury or might not be evident until hours or even days after.
Management
If an individual has a concussion, the brain should be given time to heal. It is vital to get enough rest from both mental and physical activities. The doctor will know when the individual can resume normal daily activities.
Many individuals are able to recover within 1-2 weeks. As for young children and teenagers, it might take a long time for them to recover.
While recovering from a concussion, the following should be observed:
- Drink more fluids
- Limit time spent on activities that require concentration
- Avoid alcoholic beverages
- Stick with a healthy diet
- Get enough rest and sleep at night
When to resume sports?
If an individual has symptoms of a concussion after sustaining a blow to the neck, head or body, it is recommended to stop activity. Once the concussion involves memory loss or loss of consciousness, the individual might not be able to resume his/her sport for several weeks. When it comes to severe cases, the individual could not return to play for up to a month.
The recovery time varies for each individual. It is not advisable to resume activity until all the symptoms have settled. If an activity aggravates the symptoms, the individual should stop. In case the symptoms continue to worsen, a doctor should be consulted.
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on concussions is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize the indications of head injuries including a concussion, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada.