Concussions are one of the most common sports injuries. Because anywhere from 1.6 to 3 million athletes sustain concussions each year in America, concussions have been dubbed a silent epidemic.
If you think you’ve suffered a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention. Without proper treatment, concussions can cause lingering or prolonged symptoms in 10-30% of people. Here at the International Spine, Pain & Performance Center, our providers are to help you recover from your sports injuries so you can get back to your favorite activities.
In this article, we’ll cover the most common signs of a concussion — and what to do if you think you or a loved one sustained this injury.
It’s a common misconception that you always lose consciousness if you have a concussion. This isn’t true. Not all people lose consciousness, although you might feel disoriented or confused after a blow to the head.
If you have a concussion, you might not remember what led to your injury. Forgetting what happened is called amnesia. Other memory issues include:
Studies show some of these problems persist even months after the initial injury, but this risk is increased if you receive a second concussion before healing from the first.
Concussions cause physical symptoms, such as:
Despite the fatigue, some people struggle with insomnia after a concussion. Look for unusual changes to your sleeping patterns, including sleeping too much or difficulty falling asleep.
Although the physical signs and memory problems are the most well-known signs of a concussion, it’s important to note concussions can cause emotional problems too. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, concussions can lead to irritability, anxiety, and even feelings of sadness.
All head injuries should be taken seriously. Some injuries may require emergency medical attention, especially if there was a loss of consciousness or any bleeding.
In addition to getting medical attention, rest is one of the most important things you can do after a brain injury. This includes avoiding physical activity and sports until medically cleared.
Rest isn’t the only treatment option. You may need physical therapy, especially if you also injured your neck or spine at the same time as your concussion. According to a statement made during the 5th International Conference on Concussion in Sport, physical therapy can be beneficial for those recovering from a concussion.
As experienced sports medicine specialists, we can help you get back in the game safely. Whether you need physical therapy or other sports medicine services, we’re here to help you.
To learn more about your options, visit us online to request an appointment at one of our three convenient locations.
