A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can be caused by an impact on the head or body, and it causes temporary loss of function. Concussions are often accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. If not treated properly, concussions could lead to long-term problems like chronic pain and memory impairment. The goal of this article is to educate readers on what happens if we don’t treat a concussion.
For many people, concussions occur as a result of collisions that arise during high-contact sports. However, the most common cause is actually falling down and experiencing an impact on the head. Unfortunately for some people, symptoms won’t show up until weeks or months after an incident has occurred because it might take time before damage occurs in subtle ways within your brain tissue. The following are the things you need to do to avoid long term bad effects of a concussion:
A concussion can result from any sort of acute stress to the brain’s tissues or blood vessels, such as a vehicle accident, job injury, or other types of events. Some common physical symptoms that appear soon after including dizziness and headaches with possible vertigo. Symptoms like impaired vision may make concentration difficult which is why it might be challenging for some people in recovery to focus on tasks at hand successfully. Take care of yourself, know that getting checked for a concussion can:
Your short- and long-term memory, as well as total bodily coordination, may be impaired after a concussion. You might notice that your attention span is shorter than usual when you can’t recall what you were just instructed to accomplish or cannot focus enough on the task at hand. This lack of concentration could make it difficult for you to perform adequately at school or work. Getting treated right away will:
Every part of your life can change after a concussion. They affect your body, mind, and relationships because they impair physical abilities while also impacting mental health negatively. Sometimes symptoms develop over time in addition to the acute ones present at first impact so you should always seek medical attention for them right away if necessary. When it comes down to things like this it’s really important that we pay close attention!
Individuals who suffer from brain damage as a result of concussions may experience severe emotional responses that can impact their relationships. They might also have trouble managing these emotions and expressing positive feelings, which could put a strain on any existing relationship they have. That’s why it’s important to the following after experiencing a concussion due to an accident or sports injury:
Concussions can happen in a variety of ways. Some people might not even realize they have one because the symptoms are so minor or go away within hours, but it’s important to know that this type of brain injury could cause long-term effects if left untreated. If you think you may have had a concussion and don’t know how to take care of yourself afterward, call us!
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