If your youngster is participating in a sport and someone or anything strikes their head, stop them immediately and monitor them. Many states in the United States have legislation to ensure this occurs, and all states have some form of concussion law. If your kid reports or exhibits any concussion symptoms or indications, you should see Dr. Peter Wenger. These might occur immediately after the injury or several hours or days afterward.
Understanding concussion
A concussion is a minor traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, sharp jolt, or blow to your head that interferes with regular brain operation. Also, a concussion can be induced by a hard enough impact on your body that causes your head to jolt backward, forwards, or to the side. Concussions strain and bruise neurons and blood vessels, creating chemical changes in the brain that cause a temporary normal brain function loss. A single concussion commonly doesn’t result in irreversible brain injury. However, multiple concussions throughout your life may cause anatomical abnormalities in your brain. Concussions are often not life-threatening. Additionally, the risks of a concussion can be severe and persist for days, weeks, or even months.
Causes a concussion
Brain tissue is delicate and pliable. A concussion happens when the brain bounces or twists inside your head or undergoes rapid, whiplash-like back-and-forth movement, causing it to crash with the skull’s interior. This movement of your brain strains and destroys brain cells and causes chemical changes in the brain. These damages cause your brain to stop functioning correctly for a short period, resulting in concussion indicators. Concussions are caused mainly by car accidents, falls, and sports damages. Also, a concussion may happen in any sport that includes contact. Most concussions in youngsters occur on the playground, while biking, or when participating in sports like football, basketball, ice hockey, wrestling, or soccer.
How to diagnose a concussion
If you need to visit a clinician or go to the emergency department, a physician will ask you how the accident occurred and what symptoms you have. You may also be asked to complete a chart or questionnaire regarding your symptoms and assess their severity. Your clinician will do a physical exam, including a balance and vision test. Doctors utilize vision exams to search for changes in pupil size, eye movements, and light sensitivity caused by concussions. Furthermore, in the event of a significant impact or symptoms, your specialist may order an MRI or CT scan of your brain to examine for injury. If you have seizures after a concussion, your physician may also do an electroencephalogram, which measures brain waves.
Concussions are a minor kind of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the vast majority of concussed persons recover completely with no long-term consequences. Rest helps concussions recover on their own. While rehabilitating, it may be essential to take a break from sports, school, or a job or to request accommodations. Some people utilize over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate their symptoms. Also, a doctor must assess any head injury. Further examination and imaging may be required if the symptoms are severe or persistent.
Additionally, some concussion symptoms might last for weeks or months. In rare cases, people have long-lasting emotional, mental, or physical changes. Recurrent concussions can also raise the risk of long-term brain damage. Call Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C., or book your appointment online to determine which concussion treatment works for you.