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.
Yes, individuals with concussions may experience increased sensitivity to screens or digital devices due to the visual stimulation. Taking breaks, adjusting screen brightness, and using blue light filters may help alleviate discomfort.
Yes, you can definitely have a concussion without losing consciousness. In fact, most concussions do not involve a loss of consciousness. A common misconception is that a person must be “knocked out” to have sustained a concussion, but that’s not the case. Symptoms of a concussion can range from mild to severe and can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory issues, balance problems, and more. It’s essential to recognize that even if someone remains conscious after a blow to the head or body, they might still have suffered a concussion, and they should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
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.
Yes, certain sports do carry a higher risk of concussions due to their physical nature. These include American football, hockey, rugby, soccer, and basketball. Sports that involve potential collisions or falls, such as cycling, skiing, and horseback riding, also pose a higher risk. However, it’s important to note that a concussion can occur in any sport, and appropriate safety measures should always be taken.
Yes, concussions have traditionally been classified into different grades or levels based on their severity, though it’s worth noting that grading systems have evolved over time and their use has become less prevalent in recent years. Initially, three general grades were recognized:
Grade 1 (Mild): This grade is characterized by symptoms that last for less than 15 minutes, with no loss of consciousness. Individuals might experience temporary confusion, dizziness, or minor headaches.
Grade 2 (Moderate): Here, the individual doesn’t lose consciousness, but symptoms persist longer than 15 minutes. The symptoms could be more pronounced, including more significant confusion, amnesia regarding the event, and possibly other neurological symptoms.
Grade 3 (Severe): This is the most serious grade, where the individual loses consciousness, even if just momentarily. Symptoms can be intense and may require more extended recovery periods.
Current approaches to concussion management, however, emphasize individualized assessment rather than strict grading. The focus is on the specific symptoms presented and ensuring a safe return to normal activities, rather than placing the concussion in a particular grade. It’s crucial for individuals to get a concussion assessment from healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and guidance, as each concussion is unique and demands personalized care.
es, there are specific exercises and rehabilitation programs designed to aid in concussion recovery. These programs are typically prescribed by healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists or specialists in sports medicine and concussion management. They aim to address various aspects of recovery, including cognitive, physical, and emotional components. Here are some common components of concussion rehabilitation:
Cognitive Rehabilitation: Exercises that challenge memory, attention, and problem-solving skills can help address cognitive deficits often associated with concussions.
Balance and Vestibular Therapy: Balance and coordination exercises are crucial, especially if dizziness or imbalance is a symptom. These can help improve equilibrium and reduce vertigo.
Vision Therapy: If vision disturbances or eye coordination problems persist, vision therapy exercises can help.
Neck Strengthening: Strengthening exercises for the neck muscles can reduce the risk of future concussions by providing better support for the head during impacts.
Gradual Return to Exercise: As part of the return-to-play protocol, a structured program gradually reintroduces physical activity to assess how the athlete responds to exertion.
Psychological Support: Emotional and psychological aspects of recovery can be addressed through counseling or therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to manage mood changes or anxiety.
These programs are individualized based on the person’s specific symptoms and needs. It’s essential to work closely with healthcare professionals who specialize in concussion management to determine the most appropriate rehabilitation plan.
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The term “TBI” covers brain injuries of varying severity, from mild to severe. Concussions are at the mild end of the spectrum and are characterized by a temporary alteration in brain function caused by an external force. Although most people recover fully from a concussion, the brain is vulnerable to further injury during the recovery period. Severe THIs can involve prolonged unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury, and they often have more significant and long-lasting effects on cognitive, physical, and emotional function.
Yes, indeed, children and teenagers can get concussions. In fact, they are often more at risk due to their involvement in physical activities, sports, and, in general, more accident-prone behavior. The still-developing nature of their brains might influence the concussion impact and their recovery trajectory. Because children and teens might not always be able to communicate their symptoms effectively, adults need to be vigilant in spotting the signs of a concussion, such as changes in behavior, balance, or academic performance. It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention if a concussion is suspected to ensure they get the appropriate care and rest needed to recover.
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.
