Symptoms of a concussion can vary from person to person, but it’s important to know that symptoms may last for months and in some cases years. The long-term effects are not fully known, so it is important to be aware of the possible consequences. It is also crucial that you see a doctor if you experience any changes or worsening symptoms after an injury. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and mood changes should be discussed with your physician immediately.
Some people may describe a concussion as having different levels of severity. A minor, or mild, a concussion can be described by the individual’s symptoms such as headache and confusion persisting for less than 15 minutes after an injury occurs while severe concussions typically have more extensive long-term effects.
Some people may describe a concussion with varying degrees of intensity: either being classified into one category if they are experiencing increased headaches and memory loss without other issues continuing on for longer than fifteen minutes following their head injuries; this is referred to as “minor.” On the opposite end of the spectrum, there is also moderate classification that has even more intense symptoms lasting much longer in duration when compared to those who suffer from only minor brain trauma.
This level would be accompanied by concussive symptoms including slurred speech, nausea, and vomiting. The most severe classification is termed “traumatic brain injury,” which will be experienced as a result of the individual’s head injuries being accompanied by loss of consciousness lasting more than twenty minutes followed up by deficits in long-term memory retention. What are the advantages of understanding the different kinds of concussions?
If you or someone else has sustained any type of concussion within recent days to weeks, it would be best to have them seek medical attention immediately from an appropriate health care provider. If not handled properly at this momentous time following their traumatic event, then they could end up experiencing further complications that may lead to even worse conditions later on down the road – some examples include chronic migraines or persistent post-concussive disorder. We need to keep in mind the following:
When a person has symptoms that extend past three months after an injury to the head, there is a post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Symptoms of PCS can include headaches, brain fog, tiredness, and sleep trouble. Memory challenges may also be present in some cases as well as vision problems or other issues. A concussion does not have to be caused by a direct impact on the body; collisions with objects such as vehicles can cause concussions too! The most important thing is to always be proactive in case you or someone close to you get into an accident resulting in a concussion or happen to be into sports where getting concussions are a lot common. You can do this by:
A person with a concussion might not be able to remember new information or read an entire book because neurons may stop obtaining adequate oxygen. This lack of blood flow is usually temporary and other cells will likely try to pick up the slack, but it can also cause long-term impairment such as permanent memory loss. Knowing preventive care will:
Concussion symptoms can be confusing. They don’t always show up right away, they can come and go, and they don’t always go away without extra therapy. We treat concussion patients every day and answer these questions for our patients regularly. Call us if you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms or want to learn more about how we may be able to help!
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top-ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
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stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com