Concussion: What are the severe symptoms?

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A concussion occurs once the head strikes an object or a moving object hits the head. The impact sustained can momentarily disrupt with the normal functioning of the brain. Contact sports, falls and vehicular accidents are the usual causes of concussions.

When an individual sustained a concussion, it can affect judgment, memory and speech. In most cases, coordination and balance can also be affected by this injury.

Close look on this injury

Once an individual ends up with this injury, it can result to a momentary cessation in the functioning of the reticular activating system. Take note that the reticular activating system is the arousal or wakefulness center in the brain stem. An individual may or may not lose consciousness. A concussion does not usually require therapeutic intervention but some individuals might require months in order to fully recover.

What are the initial symptoms of a concussion?

The signs and symptoms of a concussion might occur right away or can be delayed. Some of the typical symptoms among those who sustained the injury include loss of consciousness with inability to recall events upon waking up.

The individual might ask the similar question repetitively, not recalling having previously asked the same question. In most cases, the individual can also experience a headache, urge to vomit and dizziness. Some might have problems with balance and coordination. In addition, ringing in the ears or blurry vision can also occur.

Concussion
A minor bump on the head can cause the formation of large bruises and soft swellings.

What is post-concussion syndrome?

In some individuals who had a concussion, they can suffer from a later symptom complex which is known as post-concussion syndrome. It is approximately 30-80% of cases of mild to moderate brain injury where individuals can experience some of the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. Take note that these symptoms can last for days or up to years.

The symptoms that might indicate that post-concussion syndrome is developing include the following:

  • Changes in ability to think, remember things or concentrate
  • Changes in the personality such as becoming anxious or angry for no reason
  • Sleeping problems
  • Diminished interest in usual activities being enjoyed
  • Dizziness, headaches or unsteadiness
  • Difficulty handling multiple tasks and loss of organizational skills

In most cases, family members or close friends might notice these changes before the individual is even aware of them.

Management

Once an individual sustained an injury to the head, the doctor might require a CT scan to check if the brain is damaged or bleeding. If there is no evident bruising or bleeding, the individual is under observation for further development of symptoms.

Some individuals are able to go home for observation while others require hospitalization. Pain medications can be given for comfort. Allowing the individual to rest is an ideal way to recover from the injury. Remember that the types of symptoms and the frequency vary from one individual to another. With this in mind, the doctor will manage a case based on their symptoms.

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