Understanding the Effects of a Concussion

Did you know that the effects of a concussion can take years to appear? If you’ve experienced brain trauma due to a fall or collision, you may not recognize the symptoms of a concussion early. Learn about concussions and what symptoms to watch for from our team of certified post-concussion rehabilitation experts at One Accord Physical Therapy. 

What is a concussion? 

Concussions are traumatic brain injuries resulting from trauma to the head or neck. If you are involved in a car accident or fall, the jerking, whip-like motion you experience can cause your brain to hit the sides of your skull. Depending on the incident’s severity, it can cause damage to your brain that ranges from mild to severe. If you’ve experienced a car accident or fall, you must understand what symptoms may occur and when you should seek emergency medical attention. 

Concussion symptoms

Typical concussion symptoms occur within minutes and diminish within weeks. Concussion symptoms can include any of the following:

• Sleep difficulties
• Visible bumps, marks, or bruises
• Imbalance
• Vision impairments
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Appetite changes
• Mood changes
• Light sensitivity
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Ringing in the ears
• Memory Loss
• Concentration, comprehension, and attention problems

Most concussion symptoms will resolve on their own with rest and monitoring. However, some concussions can lead to prolonged issues related to post-concussion syndrome. Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome usually appear after initial concussion symptoms have ceased and may involve:

• Excessive memory problems
• Anxiety
• Personality changes
• Sensitivity to noise and light
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Depression 
• Changes in smell and taste

Although unlikely, long-term and severe symptoms may develop. The likelihood of severe and prolonged symptoms increases if you’ve had more than one concussion or brain injury before, potentially leading to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is directly correlated to multiple concussions and is recognized as a common impact of contact sports.

Be alert for these concussion symptoms

Although most concussion symptoms go away on their own, it’s vital you see a doctor or seek emergency medical care as soon as possible if you experience one or more of the following problems:

• Numbness or weakness 
• Slurred speech
• Behavioral changes
• Drowsiness
• Seizures
• Appetite changes
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Depression
• Worsening headache 
• A single dilated pupil 
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Loss of consciousness

What to do after a concussion

Seeking care from a doctor or chiropractor in the aftermath of a concussion is vital to the long-term success of your recovery. At One Accord Physical therapy, we have specialists certified in post-concussion rehabilitation. Our team will work with you to monitor your condition and minimize the risks of extended damage. Don’t wait to get started; call One Accord Physical Therapy or go here to book an appointment with our online scheduling tool today.