A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function, and these injuries often occur after a blow to the head. Effects may be temporary, yet they include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance, and coordination. While concussions are typically not life-threatening, the effects of a concussion can be serious. Here are four signs that you may have a concussion:
1. Dizziness Symptoms
Dizziness strikes quickly, and the room might feel like it is spinning around you. This sensation is described as vertigo, and it creates a feeling of motion even when you remain still. Because your equilibrium is off, sitting down or lying still provides the only relief from the spinning sensation. Dizziness makes normal activities dangerous, and can lead to:
- Spinning sensations
- Lightheadedness
- Faintness
- Balance issues
2. Headache and Nausea
Headaches are a typical symptom of a concussion, and they may persist. The pain might feel like pressure building inside your skull, or it may throb relentlessly. This pain disrupts your daily routine, and it makes focusing on simple tasks difficult. If the headache worsens over time, seek medical attention right away.
Nausea typically accompanies these headaches, and vomiting may follow shortly after the initial impact. This physical reaction happens because the brain trauma disrupts the signals sent to your digestive system. Some people experience only mild queasiness, but others vomit repeatedly. Watch for these digestive warning signs carefully.
Sensitivity to light and noise may occur alongside headache and nausea. Bright lights hurt your eyes, and loud sounds exacerbate the pounding in your head. You might need to rest in a dark, quiet room to find relief from these sensory overloads. Your brain needs time to recover from the trauma, so reducing stimulation helps the healing process.
3. Difficulty Walking
Balance issues are indicators that your brain has suffered a significant impact. You might stumble while walking on a flat surface, or you may feel unsteady when you stand up. The brain controls your coordination, and trauma disrupts the delicate signals that keep you upright. If you cannot walk in a straight line, your motor skills are compromised.
You might feel clumsy, and your movements may lack their usual precision after concussions. Simple actions like reaching for a cup or tying your shoes become surprisingly challenging. When the brain swells or bruises, it struggles to coordinate muscle movements effectively. This loss of coordination is a clear sign that you need a medical evaluation.
4. Double Vision
Your vision provides immediate clues about brain health, and blurred sight is a major red flag. You might see two images of a single object, or your focus may drift in and out unexpectedly. Double vision may indicate that the muscles controlling your eyes are not receiving the correct signals from the brain, while eye-tracking issues are serious symptoms.
Get Treated for Concussions
Ignoring the signs of a concussion leads to prolonged recovery times and potential complications. See a doctor if you suspect a head injury, for they provide the necessary diagnosis and treatment plan. Rest is the primary treatment, but a medical professional guides your return to normal activities safely; your brain needs time to heal fully. Contact a rehabilitation clinic today to schedule an evaluation if you experienced a recent head injury.
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