Mild Concussion Symptoms

Tap to Read ➤ Ningthoujam Sandhyarani

The incidence of concussion is higher in individuals who play contact sports. An individual affected by a mild concussion might experience symptoms such as temporary loss of consciousness, headache, confusion, dizziness, etc. This story lists out the common symptoms of a mild concussion.

The skull, meninges, and the cerebrospinal fluid perform the function of protecting our brain in the event of head trauma. The cerebrospinal fluid acts as a protective cushion, thereby preventing the brain from hitting against the skull. However, the brain could get injured due to a severe traumatic brain injury.

A concussion, which is also referred to as mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), could occur due to motor accidents, accidental falls, a whiplash injury that causes the head to shake back and forth, etc. A hard blow on the head, probably by a blunt object, could cause head trauma.

It must be noted that head injuries that cause bleeding in the brain or underneath the skull are not considered to be a concussion. The risk of head injuries is higher in case of individuals who play contact sports such as boxing, football, and hockey.

Though mild concussions may not really be a cause of serious concern, it's still advisable to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. In most cases, the affected individuals make a complete recovery.

Symptoms When a person receives a hard blow to the head, the brain may bang on the sides of the skull. This event may cause a short-term disturbance in the normal operation of the brain. It would affect the way the brain functions, but only for a short duration.

The symptoms that might be experienced would vary, depending on the degree of brain injury. In case of a mild traumatic brain injury, the person may or may not lose consciousness. On the other hand, loss of consciousness is likely in case of a severe traumatic brain injury.

Other than a brief loss of consciousness, some of the signs and symptoms associated with a mild concussion include:

Headache Ringing in the ears Confusion Short-term memory loss Difficulty in coordination Slurred speech Nausea and dizziness Vomiting Blurred vision Sensitivity to light Increased fatigue without reason Irritability

The symptoms of a mild concussion are not very distinct. Hence, early diagnosis is very difficult. Thus, it is essential to seek medical help after any type of head injury. Mostly, doctors check the reflexes, vision, hearing, memory, concentration, balance, coordination, etc., in case of individuals affected by a head injury.

Certain imaging studies such as the CT scan or MRI can also be conducted to determine the effect of injury on the brain.

Treatment It is extremely essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Rest is an integral part of the treatment. It is essential to avoid physical exertion. Thus, one must refrain from performing physically strenuous activities, until the symptoms resolve.

Rest is not just restricted to physical exertion. One must also avoid activities that require a lot of thinking and concentration. So, refrain from reading books, watching television, or using a computer.

Do not take over-the-counter pain medication for treating headaches. It's advisable to take only the drugs that have been prescribed by your doctor. Don't self-medicate. Once the symptoms resolve, you can return to your regular activities, but in a gradual manner. Consult your doctor, if the symptoms recur. It's advisable to take the doctor's approval prior to performing any vigorous activity.

Disclaimer : The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.