Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Anywhere between 1.6 and 3.8 million concussions occur in the country every year. Because the brain is a critical part of your health and wellbeing, it’s important to take any TBI very seriously.
TBI is usually the result of a direct blow to head or a violent jerking of the head that affects normal brain function. A concussion is a type of TBI and is very common among children, because of their hyperactivity and rapid movements. The effects of a concussion can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity.
How does an average person know the difference between a concussion and something else? A concussion usually produces recognizable symptoms, and being able to recognize the signs can save lives.
Here are the signs of a concussion that you should know and look out for:
Concussion Symptoms
A concussion can affect cognitive function, memory, and emotions. To be completely safe and to make sure you get appropriate treatment, seek medical care if you or a loved one present any of these symptoms:
- Losing consciousness or passing out
- Severe headache and dizziness
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Having no recollection of what happened before the concussion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
The aforementioned are obvious signs of a concussion, however, there are less obvious signs that you should also know:
- Changes in vision
- Frequent headaches as if constant pressure is applied to the head
- Frequently nauseated
- Easily bothered by light or noise
- Concentration and learning issues following the accident
- Exhaustion, fatigue, and lack of energy
- Irritability or moodiness
- Trouble getting to sleep or sleeping too much
- Balance and coordination issues
- No recollection of events before and immediately after incident
- A general slowing down in speech and movement
- Personality changes
- Sadness or depression
Oftentimes, concussions can be tricky, and symptoms may show up days after the incident. For this reason, be vigilant about symptoms you or your loved ones may be exhibiting. If you’ve a part of an accident or you were struck in the head, ask someone to observe your symptoms. Better yet, just seek medical care immediately after any incident that involves your head, as it is better to be safe than sorry.
Treating Concussions in Lone Tree, Colorado
The board-certified neurosurgeons at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery have the specialized knowledge, extensive training, and years of experience to diagnose and treat cranial conditions, including traumatic brain injuries. You deserves the best care possible to protect and preserve your brain health. Trust our experts to deliver the care you need, when you need it.
In our facility, we make sure you are informed about your condition and possible treatments, so you are empowered to make the right choices for your health. To request an appointment with our talented neurosurgeons, call Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery at (303) 790-1800 or submit a request now, and we will get back to you immediately.
