There are several studies dedicated to understanding concussions and their effects. It is misleading to call it a mild brain injury. Lives change because of it. Any injury to the brain can have serious repercussions.

Understanding What a Concussion Is

A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury or TBI. It can have a direct effect on brain function. Some symptoms are temporary, but studies are starting to show longer-term results of brain injuries.

How Do Concussions Happen?

Blunt-force trauma to the head is the primary cause of concussions. The skull is there to prevent outside forces from hitting the brain directly. However, the rattling can cause it to bounce around inside. The event can lead to bruising and damage to the blood vessels.

Several instances can lead to a concussion, including the following:

  • Car and vehicular accidents
  • Playing contact sports
  • Not wearing protective equipment in high-risk areas
  • Falling from a height and banging your head on the floor
  • Whiplash effect

Any instance where the head receives a blow can result in a concussion. There are instances where the risk increases, like serving in the military and playing football, but anyone is susceptible to getting a concussion, given the right circumstances.

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Concussion Symptoms to Look Out For

It can be challenging to diagnose a concussion immediately. That is because there is no outward sign that a person is suffering from it. You do not see bruising or bleeding that indicates brain injuries. In some instances, it can take days after a blow to the head for the symptoms to appear.

The common signs to look out for when it comes to concussions include:

  • Headaches ranging from mild to severe
  • The person becoming confused or dazed after a blow to the head
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty in managing their motor skills
  • Nausea accompanied by vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness or unable to balance
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Personality changes
  • Loss of memory
  • Slowed response
  • Unusual fatigue and sleepiness

Concussion symptoms can vary from one person to another. Some people can experience most of the things listed above, while others can only get a mild headache.

Concussion Protocol

Because of the challenge in identifying concussion symptoms, protocols are available to help people who may have suffered from it. These were instituted by various organizations, like sporting leagues and the CDC.

Returning to school or work should be based on a careful plan and observation of the person. They can only go back to work if they pass the protocols.

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Concussion Treatments

Once a person has a concussion, they need to undergo proper treatment. The first step is to prevent further damage from happening. They need to rest, especially if they are playing a sport. Do not go back into the game.

Medication is used to treat headaches, especially severe ones. Other than that, rest is the most crucial concussion treatment. The body recovers over time.

Preventing Concussions

Accidents can happen anytime, and concussion symptoms can be challenging to diagnose. The best way to approach this is to prevent it from happening in the first place. That includes:

  • Wear proper head protection when playing sports or working in dangerous places.
  • Drive defensively on the road to avoid accidents.
  • Try to reduce trip and fall hazards at home and in the workplace.
  • Exercise regularly to improve balance and avoid falling over.

Go to Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care for Concussions

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care is the only health system in Hamilton County offering ER and urgent care services under one roof. Unlike most ER or urgent care centers, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The urgent care center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No appointments are not necessary for in-person visits; however, pre-registration is available.

Riverview Health Emergency Room Urgent Care has five convenient locations: