Concussions are being taken more seriously today than ever before and for a good reason. They are a mild form of a traumatic brain injury and they can cause a number of long-term issues for someone who is injured. All it takes is one concussion for these long-term effects to be present. Dizziness, trouble walking, and even vision issues can happen with just one mild concussion. Most people can recover quickly, but it can be months before a complete recovery is achieved.
Do you want to learn more about concussions? Then here are some interesting facts that you’re going to want to know.
1 Concussions typically come in three different grades.
Most concussions are what would be considered a Grade 1 event. This occurs when the brain becomes injured, but the person doesn’t lose consciousness. They likely don’t even realize that they’ve sustained a head injury. There might be a certain degree of disorientation, but a person feels like they are in full control. Grade 2 concussions have higher degrees of disorientation. A person may not remember who they are or what they’ve been doing. People lose consciousness with a Grade 3 concussion.
2. Concussions provide a cumulative effect on the human body.
Once someone has a concussion, it becomes easier for them to have a second concussion. Every additional concussion that occurs will increase the chances of a future concussion. This is why having a complete recovery before resuming normal activities is so important. If someone is still suffering from concussion-like symptoms and they continue to be active, they could make their injury even worse.
3. Concussions are extremely routine.
It is estimated that athletes in the United States suffer from about 300,000 total concussions every year. Out of that number, about 125,000 of them will never be assessed by someone in the medical field. Part of this reason is because 90% of concussion symptoms tend to go away over the course of a week. A majority of student athletes will have suffered at least one concussion before they even reach college. Many athletes even admit to playing even though they suspected that they had suffered an injury.
4. Every concussion is different.
No two concussions are the same. The TBI can affect someone in very different ways. Someone with a mild concussion at first may seem just fine, but then wind up slipping into unconsciousness. Severe concussions might cause unconsciousness, while others might be life threatening. The reason for this is because of the complexity of the brain itself. The brain protects itself from injury, so some symptoms might not be noticed for several days or weeks. The signs of a concussion can be so subtle, in fact, that even doctors may miss the fact that a true injury has occurred.
5. It’s tougher when people get older.
Concussions that happen in the older age demographics will usually require more time to resolve themselves. The exception to this rule would be a young person who has sustained a history of concussions. Just as age can increase recovery times, so can a history of concussions. An 18 year old kids with a 4th concussion may actually recover more slowly than a 65 year old with a first concussion.
6. Medication can make the problem worse instead of better.
Even if people are taking herbs, supplements, or vitamins, these can have an effect on how the brain recovers from a concussion. That’s why a doctor’s examination is so important. Certain blood thinning agents and drugs could increase the chance of a long-term complication. Some doctors may recommend painkillers while others may want patients to avoid them at all costs. Every treatment plan must be unique because every concussion is unique.
7. Blood clots can make a concussion dangerous.
Although it is rare, any concussion may lead to the development of a blood clot. When this forms on the brain, it can begin to crowd the brain against the skull and cause health problems. Headaches that get worse, people who don’t wake up after falling asleep, or having one pupil noticeably larger than the other are symptoms that are generally considered medical emergencies.
8. It can be difficult to diagnose concussions in young children.
Although young children will often display the same signs and symptoms as adults when it comes to a concussion, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes a child will simply continue crying. At other times, they may not be able to be consoled at all. A concussion may just cause a child to stop eating altogether. If these symptoms occur after a known blow to the head, then the child should be seen by a doctor right away.
9. Concussion can sometimes be the only sign of abuse.
Many people get upset with doctors when they ask questions about domestic abuse when they see a concussion, but sometimes the concussion is the only sign that there is a problem in a home. If you need to be treated by a doctor, don’t be offended by the questions that you’ll likely be asked. The doctor just wants to make sure that you’re in a safe environment and that your health is not at risk.
10. The best thing to do is rest.
Many people try to force themselves to get better after suffering from a concussion and it’s literally the worst thing that they can do. Being active with an active TBI can extend the symptoms almost indefinitely. That’s why the best advice is often to rest and just try moving about again a little bit later. Resting doesn’t mean that you have to be stuck in bed all day. Sacking out on the couch, reducing activities, and avoiding any strenuous exercises can all help people to start feeling better.
Concussions are a serious injury, even if it doesn’t seem like it. By knowing these interesting facts, you’ll be able to respond appropriately to one when you see it or seek help for yourself if you suspect an injury has occurred.