(TacticalNews.com) – Concussions are a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can impact how your brain functions. The effects of a concussion can be short-lived – only a few hours – or can result in long-term complications. Therefore, it’s important to know how to tell when you have a concussion, although they often require a medical diagnosis.
Nothing Rare About Them
These brain injuries actually occur more often than you might think. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that between 2001 and 2009, concussions increased by 57% among children. Falling is the leading cause of TBIs in children. The Journal of Athletic Training recently published a study indicating that around 300,000 concussions occur annually due to sports activity. Surprisingly, female athletes are more prone to concussions than males are, at least in the sports world study.
It’s important to note that these types of head injuries aren’t just the result of sports collisions and falls. They can also occur from car accidents, fights, and just about anything that causes trauma to the brain.
Effects of Concussions
Most concussions go unnoticed. Often, people just write them off as a “headache” after taking a blow to the head. Even so, if the person is experiencing confusion, it’s more than likely a concussion, and medical attention may be necessary. Warning signs often include dizziness or an inability to maintain proper balance. In addition to these effects and symptoms, concussions can cause short term effects such as:
- Ringing in the ears.
- Fatigue.
- Sensitivity to sound and light.
- Blurred vision.
In some cases, nausea or vomiting may occur as well. Since these injuries are common among children, especially toddlers, be sure to notice any non-verbal signs like appearing dazed, getting tired easily, excessive crying, irritability, loss of balance, walking unsteadily, eating and sleeping pattern changes.
While these are short-term effects of a concussion, these TBIs can leave you with a lifetime of complications. Some of which include:
- Memory problems.
- Loss of concentration.
- Personality changes.
- Irritability
- Depression
- Smell and taste disorders.
- Light and sound sensitivity.
- Disturbances in sleep patterns.
These long-term effects are rare, but they occur, especially if a concussion is not treated correctly.
Danger Signs of Concussions
If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to seek medical attention. Call 9-1-1 or take the affected person to the emergency room ASAP if you observe different-sized pupils, drowsiness, repeated vomiting, nausea, convulsions or seizures, increased confusion, strange behavior, agitation, restlessness, or a worsening headache. In some cases, a hematoma, a dangerous collection of blood, may form after a blow to the head.
Chances are, if there was a loss of consciousness, a person will experience a concussion and needs to be kept under close supervision until the symptoms pass or they receive medical care. It should be noted that this article is not intended to replace medical advice from a properly licensed and certified healthcare professional. Seek medical assistance if you think you are experiencing a concussion.
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