Concussions: Symptoms, treatment and what you need to know
Last year, Full House star Bob Saget hit his head and later went to sleep, his family said. The comedian was found dead the next morning in an Orlando hotel room.
A medical examiner ruled that Saget died from blunt head trauma — highlighting the dangers of traumatic brain injuries. As many as 3.8 million concussions occur each year, and almost half of concussions that occur go undetected and untreated. With such an alarmingly high number of concussions left untreated, it is important for everyone — not only athletes — to understand the seriousness of concussions and what to look for.
Concussions explained
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury prevalent in sports and recreation-related activities. A concussion occurs when the head and brain are rapidly jolted back and forth due to a substantial impact. That impact can stretch and bruise nerves and blood vessels and cause chemical changes in your brain, resulting in temporary changes in normal brain function. While it is called a mild traumatic brain injury due to its severity in relation to other types of traumatic brain injuries, concussions can cause many symptoms that can disrupt one’s life.
“Concussions can result any time your head or body sustains an impact resulting in neurological issues. Symptoms of concussions can often last for days, weeks and even months. Patients are encouraged to seek treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of long-term symptoms and post-concussion syndrome,” said Caitlyn Mooney, MD, sports medicine specialist at UT Health San Antonio. “Earlier treatment can help patients with concussions get back to feeling like themselves and return to their daily activities more quickly,” said Dr. Mooney.
Concussion symptoms
Concussion symptoms typically appear within minutes of an injury, but they may develop over a few hours or days. Symptoms can also change over the course of several days, and others may develop when the brain is used over time.
Symptoms to look for immediately after impact:
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Impaired vision
- Confusion or brain fog
- Memory loss
- Dizziness
Symptoms that may develop over time:
- Concentration or memory issues
- Personality changes
- Increased irritability
- Light and noise sensitivity
- Changes in taste and smell
- Sleep disturbance
- Psychological changes, including anxiety and depression
Symptoms bystanders may notice:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
- Delayed speech response
- Dazed appearance
- Forgetfulness
Concussion treatment
All concussions are unique, and treatments should be tailored to a patient’s symptoms and injury. Some concussions may be more severe than others and require a more extended treatment period. When seeking treatment for a concussion, it is crucial to seek out medical professionals who have experience with concussion care.
Following a concussion, your doctor may recommend avoiding strenuous movements and physical activities. After an evaluation, your doctor may recommend additional treatments, such as rehabilitation for any symptoms you are experiencing because of your concussion.
Our concussion program
Our sports medicine team has designed a concussion program to treat the needs of those experiencing a traumatic brain injury. Our program incorporates a comprehensive network of specialists to get you back to your regular activities as soon as possible. We partner with physical therapists, optometrists, psychologists and other specialists to treat the full spectrum of concussion symptoms.
Our team is here to provide you with personalized, thoughtful and reliable care. We are dedicated to improving and maintaining your lifestyle through tailored preventative care and modern therapies for treating injuries and chronic conditions.
To learn more about our sports medicine practice or to schedule an appointment, visit www.uthealthcare.org/ortho or call 210-450-9300.