A concussion is a minor head injury brought on by a bump, hard jolt, or blow to the head. It can affect anyone, including infants and the elderly. The most typical symptom is a headache. The majority of symptoms go away in 14 to 21 days. Each person’s rehabilitation plan is different, but they always include physical and mental rest, as well as a gradual return to activities.
Who is most prone to suffer from head injury?
Older persons and children under the age of 4 are at higher risk for concussions because they tend to tumble.
- Adolescents as a result of sports-related head traumas and bicycle accidents.
- Due to their exposure to hazardous devices, military personnel
- Any auto accident participants
- Physical abuse victims
- Anyone who has previously suffer a concussion
The risk of concussion is highest in adolescents compare to other age groups. This, according to researchers, is a result of their brains’ ongoing development. Teenagers’ necks are often weaker than those of young adults and older persons at this age because the brain is still laying down its neural pathways.
What causes a concussion?
Brain tissue is pliable and flexible. The cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds it serves as a cushion between it and the skull, its hard protective shell. A concussion happen when your brain twists or bounces inside your skull, or when you suffer a sudden, whiplash-like back-and-forth action that pushes your brain into your skull. This brain activity causes chemical changes in the brain as well as brain cell stretching and destruction.
These injuries bring on the signs and symptoms of a concussion, which temporarily impair brain function. Concussions frequently result from falls, sports injuries, and auto accidents. A concussion can happen in any contact-based sport.
The majority of concussions in kids occur on playgrounds while riding bikes, or while participating in sports like football, basketball, ice hockey, wrestling, or soccer.
What signs and symptoms indicate head injury?
Concussions’ most typical signs and symptoms include:
- Headache
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Confusion
- Momentary unconsciousness
- Balance issues
- Hazy or double vision
- An earache that ringers
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Feeling drowsy or exhausted
- Alterations in sleeping habits difficulty paying attention or understanding
- Sadness or depression
- Being agitated, apprehensive, and nervous
How exactly is a concussion identified?
Your doctor will conduct a neurological exam, inquire about the incident that cause your head injury, and inquire about your symptoms. During the neurological examination, your neurological function and reflex will be tested.
- Vision, eye movement, and light sensitivity
- Coordination and equilibrium
- Hearing
- Strength
- Neck muscles for their flexibility and sensitivity
Tests that are spoken, written, or computerized may be used to assess your:
- Mental agility
- Aptitude for fixing issues
- Both memory and focus
- You’ll also be questioned about any behavioral or sleeping abnormalities, as well as mood swings
- Early evaluation doesn’t necessarily require imaging with a CT scan or MRI
How is a concussion treated?
Rest is essential for both physical and emotional recovery from it. You won’t require 100% of the recommended amount of sleep or rest. But you will need more of it than usual. Studies have shown that excessive mental relaxation can prolong the healing process and make you more sensitive to activities when you return to them.
Instead of completely ceasing activities, become familiar with the factors that cause its symptoms. Resuming cautiously and in tiny doses is best. When symptoms appear, ease up and take a break. It’s acceptable to engage in some of the activities that don’t worsen your symptoms. Don’t engage in activities that make your symptoms worse.
For instance, texting or spending a lot of time staring at your smartphone screen may cause symptoms.
- Reading
- Observing television
- Playing computer games
- Consuming loud music
- Engaging in any kind of exercise
Conclusion
Most concussions do not pose a threat to life. However, its symptoms can be severe and persist for days, weeks, or even longer. You are three to five times more likely to get a second concussion after one. Those who resume competition before their symptoms have subside run the greatest risk. If someone is still experiencing its symptoms. They shouldn’t participate in active play again.