Concussions: When to Seek Medical Help

Concussions aren’t just for professional sports players. You could be playing a fun game of catch in the back yard, biking through the neighborhood or using a step ladder to paint the family room when the injury strikes. More than a bump to the head, concussions are brain injuries that come with a wide range of symptoms and outcomes.

Because of this, it may be difficult to know when to seek medical help after a blow to the head. We’ll share our guidance to help you determine when to head to the emergency room – but first, we’ll explain why concussions can be dangerous and how to know you may have experienced one.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects brain function temporarily. Repeated or severe concussions, such as those experienced by professional athletes or people in high-risk jobs, can result in permanent brain damage. They are typically caused by a strike to the head but can also be the result of whiplash and other movement injuries. Concussion happens with the brain is suddenly forced against the inside of the skull.

Signs and Symptoms of Concussions

The types and severity of the signs and symptoms of concussion can vary depending on the person who was injured and how severe the injury was – but they generally can include:

·      Loss of memory around the time of the injury

·      Confusion, forgetfulness or lack of concentration

·      Clumsy movement or slurred speech

·      Feeling foggy or a dazed appearance

·      Slow to respond

·      Mood or behavior changes, including irritability or depression

·      Trouble with balance or vision

·      Sensitivity to light or noise

·      Change in or loss of taste or smell

·      Nausea or vomiting

·      Headache

·      Blurry vision or “seeing stars”

·      Ear ringing

·      Loss of consciousness

·      Sleep issues

Though signs and symptoms of concussions typically appear quickly after the injury happens, it’s also possible for some to be delayed, even by a few days.

When To Get Medical Help

Though most people who have suffered a concussion will recover on their own within a few days, medical help may be necessary. Come to Laredo Emergency Room if you have suffered a trauma to the head and are experiencing:

·      A headache that gets worse or does not resolve

·      Severe nausea and vomiting

·      Loss of consciousness or inability to wake up

·      Seizures or numbness

·      Slurred speech or increasing weakness or clumsy movement

In addition, if any of your symptoms get worse or have not resolved within 10 days, or you have a history of repeated concussions, come to Laredo Emergency Room for the care you need. We can assess your injury with state-of-the-art imaging and provide you with expert treatment customized to your symptoms.

Safety Tip! To avoid concussion, be sure to wear properly fitting head protection for all activities that put you at risk for head injury.