Concussions - Signs & Symptoms
It’s the height of the game, the crowd is cheering, the energy is electric, and then all of a sudden there is a bad collision. Someone is hurt and they are holding their head, clearly they are hurt. It is extremely scary when there is a head injury on the field, you don’t know how severe it is, or if they need to seek medical attention. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Rapid movement causes brain tissue to change shape, which can stretch and damage brain cells. This damage also causes chemical and metabolic changes within the brain cells, making it more difficult for cells to function and communicate. Since the brain is the body’s control center, the effects of a concussion can be far-reaching. Concussions are usually not life-threatening, but the effects of a concussion can change a life and the injury should be treated seriously.
General Symptoms of Concussion
Headaches or neck pain that do not go away
Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
Slowness in thinking, speaking, acting, or reading
Getting lost or easily confused
Feeling tired all of the time, having no energy or motivation
Mood changes (feeling sad or angry for no reason)
Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping a lot more or having a hard time sleeping)
Light-headedness, dizziness, or loss of balance
Urge to vomit (nausea)
Increased sensitivity to lights, sounds, or distractions
Blurred vision or eyes that tire easily
Loss of sense of smell or taste
Ringing in the ears
Most people make a good recovery from a concussion, but it’s important to take what may seem like just a bump on the head seriously. A common question is when should I go to the hospital for a concussion? If you or a loved one notices any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away. Even seemingly minor bumps can result in life threatening brain bleeding or other serious conditions that can only be identified and treated in a hospital.
Children Concussion Symptoms
Children with a concussion can have the same symptoms as adults, but it is often harder for them to share how they feel. Call your child’s doctor if they have had a blow to the head and you notice any of these concussion symptoms:
Tiredness or listlessness
Irritability or crankiness (will not stop crying or cannot be consoled)
Changes in eating (will not eat or nurse)
Changes in sleep patterns
Changes in the way the child plays
Changes in performance at school
Lack of interest in favorite toys or activities
Loss of new skills, such as toilet training
Loss of balance or unsteady walking
Vomiting
Sometimes adults and children complain of “just not feeling like themselves.” Children often have a hard time explaining that they don’t feel normal and it’s up to the parents and their friends, family or coaches to know that they aren’t acting like themselves and get them to rest or to seek medical attention.
What to do after a concussion
It can be hard to manage an injury you cannot see. With proper management, a concussion will cause temporary symptoms and you can expect a full recovery. However, when mismanaged, concussions can cause long-term symptoms and impact mental health.
Recent research suggests the majority of concussion symptoms will resolve within a month of injury. However, 10 to 30 percent of concussed individuals have symptoms lasting more than six weeks. Follow the instructions your doctor provides and be sure to consistently monitor any symptoms, if symptoms worsen, seek medical attention. For most concussions, simply resting and gradually returning to activity under the guidance of a medical professional clears up concussion symptoms in a matter of days or weeks. This is the current standard of care and has helped countless concussion patients through a full recovery.
Ready when you need us
Regardless of what type of medical situation you may be facing, Community First ER is here to help. There’s no need to make an appointment, and you won’t have to wait. Our board-certified physicians and nurses will always be ready to see you. We understand that emergencies aren’t always convenient, which is why we do everything we can to make your experience with us as hassle-free as possible. From the moment you arrive at Community First ER to the moment you leave us our compassionate and knowledgeable staff will take care of you or your family member appropriately. If your condition warrants transportation to a local hospital, we can easily arrange this using our ambulance and helipad services. Our 9,000 square foot facility includes an onsite lab, radiology, and imaging services and is equipped to provide adult, pediatric, and adolescent emergency and critical care. We strive to provide the most effective and most efficient medical care in a stress-free and comfortable environment.
We are here to help
At Community First ER, we are committed to providing you the best possible care now and always. With adult and pediatric emergency care available, we have a team of board-certified medical and surgical specialists we consult to help manage our patients and their medical emergencies. We form relationships with local doctors to ensure that our patients have access to the best specialists for their individual needs. You can call ahead and discuss your symptoms at any time.
We are Community First Emergency Room – committed to putting your community, health, and YOU FIRST, every day.
If you are a loved one experiencing an urgent or emergency medical issue, please contact us right away at 281-343-3134.
About Community First ER
Emergency health care is a critical resource. Our commitment is to provide a personal, transparent, and concierge-driven emergency health care experience to our community members. Locally owned and operated by health care providers and partners we trust, we strive to support and create meaningful relationships with those around us. We exist to put your health and wellness first. For more information, visit our website at https://communityfirster.com/ and engage with us on social media!