Most people think that in order to have a concussion you must “black out” or lose consciousness, however this is not as common as people think. There are many other signs and symptoms of a concussion. The key to treating concussions, is being able to identify them early on to avoid further injury to our brains.
Some common symptoms following a brain injury include but are not limited to:
- Headache · Pressure in Head
- Neck Pain · Nausea or Vomiting
- Dizziness · Blurred Vision
- Balance Problems · Sensitivity to Light
- Sensitivity to Noise · Confusion
- Difficulty Remembering
- Fatigue or Low Energy
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- More Emotional
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Nervous or Anxious
If you or your athlete experience any of these symptoms, seek treatment right away. Seeking treatment early on, often leads to a shorter recovery period allowing you to return to the sports you love.
Some more severe signs and symptoms, or “red flags” that require immediate medical attention are listed below.
RED FLAGS = signs that indicate a medical emergency and you should seek care immediately include but are not limited to:
- Unconsciousness or abrupt changes in consciousness
- Sudden increased confusion or irritability
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
- Unequal pupils
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures
- Slurred speech or inability to speak
- Inability to recognize people or places
- Worsening headache
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your doctor. They will help you recover quickly and completely from your concussion, and help you avoid further injury.
Shannon O’Donnell, MS. ATC
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