According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, about 1.5 million to 3 million Americans get concussions from recreational and sporting activities. A concussion is a sudden traumatic brain injury that causes a brief loss of brain function. Falling, suffering violent contact during a sports-related activity, and hitting the head in a car accident can all make your brain move and bump against your skull and suffer bad bruises. Dr. Peter Wenger is a concussion specialist who can help you get the right care if you have suffered such a misfortune. Appropriate medical care may ensure that you do not experience severe brain damage or long-lasting disability and resume your routine duties as soon as possible.
Subsequently, below are the steps you can take to manage your concussion and ensure you recover fully.
1. Abandon the activity
If you get concussed from participating in a recreational or sports activity, immediately stop playing and get adequate rest. When resting, you do not continue to physically and cognitively strain yourself.
Also, you are no longer at risk of further head injuries that may cause a condition called second impact syndrome. Second impact syndrome is characterized by rapid brain swelling when you get concussed for the second time before getting complete relief from the first concussion.
You may need to rest for a few days, which may involve not going to work or school. Furthermore, you must significantly limit your phone, computer, and television use and ensure you get adequate sleep.
Also, avoid locations with loud noises or crowds that may increase your stress levels.
2. Get professional evaluation
If you have had a head impact or an impact on another part of your body and experience concussion symptoms, seek immediate medical evaluation.
Your health provider will diagnose you with a concussion after subjecting you to a comprehensive examination involving observing if you have concussion signs after injuring your head or body.
Remember that signs of concussion cannot be revealed by diagnostic imaging tests such as X-ray, CT, or MRI scans. Moreover, even after your initial evaluation, it may take hours or days before the signs of concussion begin to appear.
If the signs and symptoms of concussion worsen, expect a severe decline in your alertness level and impaired vision and balance.
3. Monitor concussion symptoms
As you rest after getting concussed, your family or friends should be around to help in monitoring if your symptoms are worsening. Severe concussion symptoms threaten your life or make you susceptible to disability issues.
Also, maintain a positive attitude during your recovery from a concussion. If you find that you are struggling to cope with your situation, you can always talk with your health provider to receive the hope that you will recover completely.
Remember that the effect of concussion is different in people. Although most people concussed can recover quickly and completely, sometimes the symptoms may persist for days or weeks. And if the trauma is severe, the symptoms may last for months.
Contact Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. today to schedule an appointment with a concussion specialist.
