Concussions are a common type of injury, and one which more people should understand in order to both cope with their effects and ideally minimize the chances of suffering one in the first place.
To help with this, here is a look at the ins and outs of concussions and the main things you can do to prevent and deal with them yourself.
What is a concussion?
In brief, a concussion is a type of brain injury which is only defined as temporary. Unlike more severe head injuries, you can expect to recover from the effects of a concussion within a matter of days, although in some cases it can take weeks before the symptoms are completely alleviated.
What causes concussions?
The key concussion causes are an impact to the head, the force of which does damage to the brain. Unsurprisingly, concussions from sports are among the most common examples, although you can also experience one after any kind of accident in which your head is involved.
What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?
When learning how to identify a concussion, there are a lot of things to look out for. A persistent headache that is resistant to over-the-counter pain medication is close to the top of the list, followed by feelings of dizziness and nausea.
Other delayed concussion symptoms can include a loss of memory, especially with regards to the time immediately before and after the event of the injury itself. The signs and symptoms of a concussion extend to issues with your visions; for example, you may see stars, or your eyesight may seem blurrier than usual.
Lastly, your balance could be knocked out of kilter by a concussion, and your mood might even change, making you more prone to irritation.
How to prevent a concussion if you think you’re at risk of one
Now you know a little more, how do you prevent concussions? Well first and foremost, if you are set on avoiding them at all costs, then steering clear of contact sports is sensible.
Of course this is not the most liberating of prevention tips for concussions, so rather than taking lots of physical activities off the table altogether, you can reduce your risks by wearing the right type of protective gear. From bike helmets for cyclists to head guards for boxers, even amateurs need to do what they can to shield their brains from trauma.
What happens if I have a concussion?
We have already discussed the potential effects of concussions on the brain with regards to the symptoms, and if you identify any of these issues yourself after an injury, seeking medical attention from a professional is sensible.
The lasting effects of concussion may be a long term issue in a small number of cases, and it is always better to get expert help sooner rather than later if you want a better chance of coping with this possibility.
Can I get a disability from a concussion?
It is possible for disability from traumatic brain injuries to occur, but does disability apply for concussions?
The short answer is no, since as mentioned, concussions are typically defined as temporary brain injuries, rather than permanent ones. Even so, if you receive concussions on a regular basis then more serious issues can arise, and disability may be the ultimate result.
Conclusion
Whether you are playing sports, driving a car or riding a bike, taking precautions to reduce the chances of becoming concussed is a must.
A mild concussion is easy enough for a healthy person to shrug off, but being aware of the long term risks will also encourage you to follow safety guidelines and keep you out of harm’s way.
