Are concussion symptoms worse in the morning or night?

Yes, concussions can sometimes impact the sense of taste or smell. Temporary changes or loss of taste and smell may occur following a concussion, but they usually resolve as the brain heals.

Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries, including concussions, in activities such as cycling, skating, or playing contact sports in Edmonton and elsewhere. Helmets are designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces, providing a protective barrier to the skull. However, it’s important to understand that helmets cannot guarantee complete prevention of concussions, as they primarily focus on reducing the severity of head injuries and preventing more catastrophic outcomes, such as skull fractures or brain hemorrhages. Concussions can still occur if the force of impact is significant enough to cause the brain to move within the skull (known as a coup-contrecoup injury) or if rotational forces affect the brain tissue, even with a helmet in place. Therefore, while helmets are a crucial safety measure, they should be used in conjunction with proper technique, rules enforcement, and other preventive measures to minimize the risk of concussions during various activities in Edmonton, including sports and recreational pursuits.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best thing to do after a concussion may vary depending on the individual. However, some general tips to follow after a concussion include resting and avoiding activities that could cause mental strain, increase heart rate or increase your risk of another concussion. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods. If symptoms persist, it is important to seek medical attention. You can also visit a concussion specialist to help you achieve a faster recovery.

Supporting someone who has sustained a concussion requires understanding, patience, and proactive involvement. Here’s how you can be of assistance:

Educate Yourself: Understand the symptoms and effects of a concussion so you can empathize and identify any concerning changes.

Ensure Rest: Encourage the individual to rest both physically and cognitively. This might involve limiting screen time, avoiding strenuous activities, or reducing exposure to loud noises and bright lights.

Attend Appointments: Accompany them to medical appointments if they’re comfortable. This not only provides moral support but also ensures they have someone to help remember medical advice or ask pertinent questions.

Monitor Symptoms: Help them track their symptoms, especially if they have difficulty remembering or are reluctant to admit ongoing problems.

Provide Emotional Support: Recognize that emotional and behavioral changes might occur. Offer a listening ear, patience, and encouragement.

Assist with Tasks: Offer help with day-to-day tasks, especially if they’re struggling with things like driving, cooking, or even personal care.

Stay Informed: If they’re an athlete or student, know the protocols for return-to-play and return-to-learn, ensuring they don’t rush back and exacerbate their symptoms.

Encourage Communication: Urge them to communicate any ongoing or new symptoms to healthcare providers, ensuring they get the necessary care.

Create a Supportive Environment: Reduce sensory stimuli in their environment. This can include dimming lights or reducing ambient noise.

By being there for someone with a concussion, offering both practical and emotional support, you can play a significant role in their recovery process.

Most concussions resolve without long-term effects, but some individuals may experience persistent symptoms known as post-concussion syndrome. Repeating concussions or sustaining one while still recovering from a previous one can increase the risk of long-term effects.

Yes, there is growing evidence to suggest that repeated concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) might increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases later in life.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): CTE is a progressive, degenerative brain disease associated with repetitive brain trauma, including concussions. Initially identified in boxers and later in football players, its symptoms can include memory loss, mood disturbances, and eventually severe cognitive decline.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Some studies suggest that individuals with a history of repeated TBIs have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, though the connection is not entirely clear and remains an active area of research.

Parkinson’s Disease: Traumatic brain injuries might also elevate the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Some research has indicated a potential link between repeated head injuries and an increased risk of ALS, though the connection is still being explored.

It’s important to note that while there’s an association between TBIs and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, having a concussion or multiple concussions does not guarantee the development of these conditions. However, the potential link underscores the importance of proper prevention, diagnosis, and management of concussions and TBIs.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also be caused by a fall or a hit to the body that causes the head to move suddenly. Concussions can cause a number of symptoms, both short and long-term.

Athletes are monitored for concussions during sports games in several ways. Team medical staff and coaches keep a close eye on players, watching for any signs of possible concussion, such as appearing dazed or confused, stumbling, or displaying uncoordinated movements. Many sports leagues and schools also have concussion protocols in place that require players suspected of having a concussion to be immediately removed from play and assessed. Some sports use sideline assessment tools like the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT), which includes a series of tests to evaluate an athlete’s physical and cognitive function.

Yes, pre-existing medical conditions can impact concussion management. Individuals with certain conditions may experience more severe or prolonged symptoms and may require specialized care or adjustments in the management plan.

If a concussion is suspected, it’s essential to act promptly to ensure safety and proper recovery. Here’s what you should do immediately after a concussion occurs:

Ensure Safety: If the injury occurs during a sport or activity, the individual should stop playing immediately to prevent further injury.
Assess the Situation: Check for signs of a severe head injury. If the person has lost consciousness, is having seizures, experiences repeated vomiting or displays increasingly confused or agitated behaviour, seek emergency medical attention.
Stay with the Person: Keep the injured individual accompanied. Symptoms or conditions can change rapidly, so continuous observation is crucial.
Avoid Physical Activity: Rest is essential after a concussion. Refrain from physical activities until a healthcare professional gives the go-ahead.
Limit Cognitive Strain: Reduce activities that require heavy concentration or attention, such as using a computer or watching TV.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if symptoms seem mild, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to assess the injury’s severity and receive guidance on recovery.
Inform Others: Make sure close family, friends, or coworkers are aware of the injury so they can monitor the individual for any worsening symptoms.
Avoid Drugs and Alcohol: These can mask symptoms and worsen the injury.
Avoid Driving: The person should not drive immediately after the injury and should consult a healthcare professional before resuming.
Remember, each individual and injury is unique. Always prioritize the injured person’s well-being and seek professional advice for appropriate care and recovery steps.