If you’ve ever sustained a serious blow to the head, you can appreciate the shocking pain, disorientation and following concern about that knock to your noggin. If you’ve seen someone else receive a hit to the head, you might be worried about next steps. Depending on the severity of the trauma, concussion is usually the first thing that comes to mind, which is why it’s important to proceed with caution.
Head injuries are tricky because there is often minimal or no visible outer damage to signal what may be going on inside. Concussions are a common result of blows to the head but are sometimes overlooked because the injured person does not exhibit any concerning symptoms.
A concussion is the term used to describe a traumatic brain injury caused by the jarring or shaking of the head and the consequential slamming of the brain against the inside of the skull. Concussions can become serious health concerns and if not properly diagnosed, may remain untreated.
If a person sustains a significant blow to the head but does not lose consciousness, have memory issues or present with any accompanying lacerations, bumps or bruises, many people think that everything is fine and neglect to seek proper medical care. However, there are some specific dos and don’ts that should be adhered to after a concussion to ensure that the individual experiences a full recovery with no lasting side effects of the injury.
Symptoms of a Concussion
It is not necessary for a person to show all symptoms of a concussion, and symptoms can vary widely from person to person and situation to situation. Some people are fortunate and recover quickly from a concussion without any special care or medical intervention, while others need days or weeks of extra rest and therapy to recover fully. Serious or repeat concussions can cause serious and lasting side effects and may affect a person’s learning abilities, movement and speech.
Because the consequences of a concussion can be downright deadly and can vary so much, it’s important that if you suspect you or someone else may have a concussion you seek immediate medical attention. Some typical symptoms of a concussion follow.
- Loss of consciousness
- Vomiting or nausea
- One pupil that is larger than the other
- Seizures
- Sudden or increased tiredness or sleepiness
- A feeling of distraction and/or trouble focusing
- Trouble with concentration or a feeling of being spaced out
- Headache or dizziness
- Memory issues
- Balance issues
Your doctor will make specific recommendations for care after diagnosing a concussion. The exact instructions you will receive depend on the nature and severity of your injury. Some examples of what to do and what not to do after a concussion are listed below.
Here are some common-sense strategies for follow-up care. Remember, always co
- Don’t overexert yourself at school or work. If you are cleared to return to normal daily activities, take your time and make sure you feel up to the tasks you need to complete. If you feel tired, listen to your body and consult your doctor.
- Don’t multitask. Refrain from trying to “do it all.” Take one task at a time and allow your brain to deal with only that one task before moving on to something else.
- Don’t drink alcohol or take any drugs that are not prescribed and approved by your doctor while you’re recovering from a concussion.
- Don’t put yourself at risk for another concussion. If you ride a bike, play football or drive a car, be sure to first gain clearance from your doctor that you’re able to return to these activities and then make sure you’re wearing a helmet, seatbelt or any other appropriate protective equipment.
If you or someone you know received a blow to the head and you’re worried about a concussion, seek medical care immediately. If you feel that the situation is very serious (a person is unconscious and can’t be roused or someone is having a seizure), call 911 and seek emergency care right away. You could be witnessing a life-threatening situation.
nsult your doctor for directions that apply to you.
- Do let your coworkers, teachers, friends and family know you’ve been injured. Explain to them what your limitations are and what to expect in the coming days or weeks.
- Do follow all doctor's instructions and ask for clarification if you’re unsure of anything you’ve been told to do or not do.
- Do use an ice pack to help with pain and swelling.Do ask for help if you need it. If you don’t feel up to driving on your day for the carpool to your son’s baseball practice, ask someone else to do it. Let your boss know if you are unable to take on that additional project he’s been pushing for.
- Do get lots of sleep and plenty of rest. The healing process requires plenty of shuteye. Allow yourself to get up slowly in the morning until you feel better. Take naps as needed.
- Don’t watch television, play video games, use the computer, or spend too much time texting or messaging on your cell phone. You need to allow your brain to rest and heal. Too much electronic stimulation can cause undue stress.