Concussion: A Head Injury Cause and Effect

Concussions Have Many Causes and Symptoms

While most people only associate concussions with car accidents, there are actually a number of ways in which someone may be concussed without being inside of a motor vehicle. While it’s true that motor vehicle accidents do make up a large portion of all concussion cases, sports injuries, falls, and fights are also leading contributing factors in the amount of concussions suffered by Frisco, Allen, Aubrey, McKinney, Plano, and Prosper, TX residents each year.

How a Concussion Occurs

Simply put, a concussion happens when the brain is forced against the walls of the skull, both during acceleration or deceleration. In most cases, a concussion will only truly occur when the brain has been forced against the skull rapidly with strong pressure, but this is not always the case. Repeated pressure against the skull by the brain can also lead to a concussion over time, and even semi-hard physical trauma can lead to a concussion. Other complications of such physical injuries may include neck pain or even a possible herniated disc injury.

Symptoms of a Concussion

Head Injury

A concussion presents with a number of different symptoms, ranging from mild to severe:

  • Blurry vision and hazy thoughts
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness
  • In severe cases, one pupil may become larger than the other
  • Convulsions may take over the body
  • Erratic changes in emotional or mental state
  • Ultra sensitivity to light or sound
  • Weakness within one or more parts of the body
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty with short-term memory

 

Concussion Treatment Options

In many cases, a concussion may resolve on its own, meaning no treatment is necessary. In such situations, rest and refrain from physical activities is desirable. Medication may or may not be helpful after suffering a concussion depending upon the circumstances and the overall health of the victim.

Mental and physical therapy may be needed as necessary, but the most important factor in healing concussed brain is usually rest. This means that athletes who have suffered from concussions will typically need to stop participating in contact sports or sports in which a repeat concussion may occur.

If a repeat concussion takes place, the victim may experience much more severe symptoms and may even require brain surgery. Additionally, severe cases of concussion that cause back pain can affect the spine and require a spine surgeon or neurosurgeon.

Concerned About a Concussion? Contact Neuro and Spine Wellness Center

One of the most important steps in mitigating the effects of a concussion is to be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible after a head injury, so if you are in the Frisco, Allen, Aubrey,McKinney, Plano, or Prosper areas of Texas and you believe that you are dealing with the effects of a concussion, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention immediately.

Dial 911 for emergencies, or to be examined quickly by a licensed medical physician, contact the Neuro and Spine Wellness Center by calling 214-494-0455 to schedule an appointment with a concussion specialist.