If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury, talk to the doctors at Cabell Huntington Hospital for a comprehensive plan of care.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Although concussions are usually not life-threatening, their effects can be serious.
Most people with a concussion recover quickly and fully, but symptoms may last for days, weeks or longer. In general, recovery may be slower among older adults, young children, teens and anyone who has had a concussion in the past. Symptoms of concussion usually fall into four categories:
Some of these symptoms may appear right away, while others may not be noticed for days or months after the injury, or until you start resuming everyday life and more demands are placed upon you.
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be difficult to identify. You may look fine even though you are acting or feeling differently. Sometimes, you may not recognize or want to admit that you are having problems. You may not understand why you are having problems and what your problems really are, which can make you nervous and upset.
In rare cases, a head injury causes a dangerous blood clot to form on the brain and crowd the brain against the skull. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following danger signs after a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body:
Seek immediate medical attention if family or friends notice that you:
Seek immediate medical attention if your child received a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body, and your child:
See concussions in children about concussions in sports for additional information head injury and youth. Because a concussion or traumatic brain injury affects children and teens differently, it is important to have them evaluated by physicians who are experienced in diagnosing and treating children with head injuries at the Pediatric Concussion Clinic, which is sponsored by Marshall Neuroscience.
Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain to heal. Ignoring your symptoms and trying to “tough it out” often makes symptoms worse. Be patient because healing takes time. Only when your symptoms have reduced significantly, in consultation with your doctor, should you slowly and gradually return to your daily activities. If your symptoms come back or you get new symptoms as you become more active, it is a sign that you are pushing yourself too hard. Stop these activities and take more time to rest and recover. As the days go by, you can expect to gradually feel better, especially if you: