A head injury is bad enough. The last thing you want is people asking you a whole bunch of annoying questions like “Are you dizzy?” or “Can you remember your address?”
As irritating as these questions may be, they are an important part of discovering whether you have a concussion.
A concussion isn’t an injury that we can see, like a cut or a bruise. Instead, we have to wait for certain symptoms to appear to diagnose the condition.
We’ve put together a list of the signs of a concussion. Browse through it so that next time you, or someone you know, gets a brain-rattling knock to the noggin, you know which symptoms to watch out for!
Headache
Concussions are caused by a traumatic blow to the head. To have a headache after such an injury is no surprise. While headaches on their own are not enough to diagnose a concussion, they should not be ignored.
Keep track of where your headache is located and how long it lasts. Concussion headaches are often accompanied by a ringing in your ears.
If your headache gets worse over time, or the ringing in your ears does not go away, seek emergency care.
Memory Loss
Some people experience short-term memory loss after a concussion. This amnesia usually involves the person not being able to remember the events surrounding the injury.
Memory loss may also manifest as forgetfulness. A person suffering from a concussion may forget an instruction or repeatedly ask the same questions.
If you suffer from prolonged symptoms after a concussion, consider entering the TBI rehab program at Sierra Care. Their highly qualified physicians will carefully guide you through your recovery.
Confusion and Sluggishness
Concussed people often appear confused and dazed. They may be slow to respond to questions or to react to the environment around them.
Slow, slurred speech is also one of the most common concussion symptoms.
Confusion may also result in a lack of concentration as the person struggles to sort through information.
Understandably, confusion, as well as memory loss, can be both frightening and frustrating. Try to be patient with a concussed person and help them stay calm.
Dizziness
Concussions often affect your sense of balance, making you feel dizzy. A concussion can also have an impact on your coordination. This results in difficulty walking or clumsiness when attempting simple physical tasks.
The dizziness may also affect your vision, making you “see stars” or causing your vision to blur.
If someone has experienced a head injury, take a close look at their eyes. Dilated pupils, or pupils of uneven sizes, are a common sign of a concussion.
Nausea
People experiencing a concussion will often feel nauseous and may vomit. If the vomiting does not stop after 15 minutes, take the affected person to the hospital.
Fluid or blood running from the nose or ears is also one of the signs you have a concussion.
Sensitivity to Light and Noise
Head trauma often affects your sensitivity to light. A concussed person may prefer to sit in a dark, quiet room.
If you’ve ever experienced a migraine, you’ll be familiar with these symptoms. Noise and light become amplified, aggravating your headache.
If you are recovering from a concussion, limit your exposure to bright lights and large crowds.
If You Spot These Signs of a Concussion, Take Action Immediately!
Brain injuries are not something to be taken lightly. If you spot someone suffering from the above-mentioned signs of a concussion, get them to a doctor as soon as you can.
It’s a no-brainer!
For more great health tips, browse through the other articles on our site!