The safety and well-being of people taking part in different physical activities depend heavily on preventing concussions. The need for preventative measures has gained prominence as understanding of the severity of concussions grows. Utilizing the right protective equipment has become essential in lowering the likelihood and severity of these injuries since concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can have catastrophic repercussions. Hence the team at Broadview Spine & Health Centre would like you to know the importance of proper protective gear in preventing concussions.
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Concussion Causes
The brain is protected and cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid acts as a cushy protection that absorbs shock from certain movements, but it can only do so much. When someone’s head is exposed to unexpected blows, acceleration, or deceleration that proves to be too traumatic for the cerebrospinal fluid, brain injuries can occur. These exposures can be from falling down, getting hit, or being in an accident.
The people most at risk for brain injuries like concussions are the ones most likely to be in an accident. These include seniors, kids under the age of 4, kids who play at parks or jungle gyms, individuals who play sports, employees in dangerous workplaces, bikers, victims of car accidents, and victims of physical abuse. People who have had a concussion in the past are especially at risk of getting concussions again or making their condition worse. These individuals should take extra precautions.
Did you or a loved one experience a head injury during an accident? The first step is to request an appointment with a doctor to evaluate the severity of your particular case. Continue reading if you’re interested in finding out common causes of concussions, some typical symptoms, prevention, treatment, and when to seek out immediate medical attention.
Concussion Symptoms
There are a wide variety of concussion symptoms a person can experience. The list is quite extensive; especially because there are varying degrees of concussions. Typically, concussion symptoms appear within a few minutes of experiencing the head injury. Below we’ll list some of the more common symptoms an individual might experience if they have a concussion:
- Headaches are the most common symptom of concussions
- Dizziness or problems balancing
- Sensitivity to light
- Lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Trouble concentrating
- Depression or sadness
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Ringing in the ears
- Fatigue or changes in usual sleeping patterns
- Still unsure if you have a concussion? Take our free online concussion test.
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Take Our Online Test!Concussion Prevention
If you are commonly exposed to concussion-causing injuries (for example, you play contact sports), it’s better to take preventative measures rather than participate in damage control. Here are some preventative measures you can take to help avoid getting a concussion:
- Wear protective headgear during dangerous activities like contact sports. Your equipment should be checked to make sure it fits properly and is in good condition.
- Use your seatbelt when you’re driving or are a passenger.
- Take note of any dangerous areas in your home. Household injuries are extremely common so try and keep your floors free of any obstacles that could make you trip or fall. This could be slippery carpets on stairs, or not having a bathmat for after a shower.
- Exercise regularly to keep your leg muscles and balance in tip-top shape.
Concussion Treatment
Oftentimes concussion symptoms will disappear after a few weeks. The first few days following your accident, you should see a doctor and rest in appropriate ways to allow your brain to heal and recover. Reaching out to a doctor is a good idea to gather a sense of how severe your concussion might be. They are likely to suggest that physical and mental rest will help you recover from a concussion. They may also suggest cognitive rehabilitation as well if you have issues with concentration or memory loss.
Limiting mental activities that involve too much concentration or visual stimuli will speed up your recovery process. This includes taking a break from things like work, studies, reading, texting, video games, watching TV, and using a computer. Try engaging in relaxing activities that will soothe the mind.
Limiting physical activities that can elevate your symptoms will also help. General physical exertion, sports, or intense movements should be avoided.
After a period of rest, you can slowly increase normal daily activities if you can tolerate them without them triggering symptoms and your doctor gives you approval.
When To Seek Out Immediate Medical Attention
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should immediately seek out emergency medical attention.
- Seizures
- Continued vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Numbness, weakness, or burning in arms and legs
- Blurry vision or double vision
- Inability to recognize people or places
- Severe or increasing headaches and neck pain
- A history of multiple concussions.
Broadview Spine & Health Centre - Advanced Rehabilitation for Brain Injuries in Ottawa
Contact our team at Broadview Spine & Health Centre if you or a loved one is experiencing soft concussion symptoms. Our experts have the training, knowledge, and experience needed to provide unbeatable concussion treatment services.
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