2 min read • January 04, 2023
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Concussions are traumatic brain injuries ranging from mild to severe. It typically occurs in the form of a traumatic blow to the head sustained from a fall, a violent event, and, most commonly, contact sports. As a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it may have long-term effects on patients. So, what long-term effects can concussions have?
Concussions can cause long-term effects such as neurological disorders, difficulty concentrating, irritability, altered sleep patterns, sensitivity to light, depression, and other psychological problems. The likelihood of experiencing the effects varies among individuals and is mainly influenced by whether you've already suffered from concussions or TBI.
While most concussion victims recover early, others may have prolonged physical and psychological symptoms or a higher risk of developing neurological disorders. However, these effects can be avoided.
Concussions are traumatic brain injuries frequently characterized by a brief interruption of regular brain function. It occurs when a person suffers a collision, fall, or any bodily impact that creates a force that shakes the brain. Although it is the most prevalent type of TBI, it is not the most severe.
We are all likely to suffer from concussions. However, each person may exhibit overt or subtle symptoms and separate recovery rates, usually occurring within a few days or weeks. For instance, NFL players and athletes who compete in other contact sports are more susceptible to experiencing concussions periodically.
When you suffer from repeated concussion symptoms, you can develop post-concussion syndrome (PCS), where you experience symptoms after six weeks. Some symptoms you may experience include memory loss, concentration issues, headache, and nausea. Although the effects are uncommon, you may suffer from these implications if you don’t give your brain time to heal.
After an accident, a fall, or a collision, the symptoms of a concussion's extended effects might be seen hours, days, or weeks later. These symptoms include:
Irritability
Pressure in the head
Depression, anxiety, difficulty with social interactions, and other psychological issues
Mood/Personality changes
Memory loss and brain fog
Sleep disturbances
Sensitivity to light
Lack of focus and concentration.
In addition, another future effect is the risk of suffering neurological disorders. Studies have indicated that individuals who suffer from multiple concussions are liable to suffer from cognitive or neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Most people who experience CTE are contact sports athletes such as football and boxers. However, it’s important to state that if you are not a professional athlete, you will probably recover from a concussion within two to three weeks with no long-term consequences.
After a concussion, you may experience immediate memory fog, amnesia, headache, and dizziness. Most people fail to recall what happened right before being a victim. The common and short-term symptoms may arise minutes or hours after a concussion. These are the symptoms:
Loss of consciousness
Fatigue
Tired or blurry eyes
Dizziness
Light and sound sensitivity
Headache
Vomiting and Nausea.
Loss of balance and unsteady walking.
Lack of comprehension
Confusion
Memory loss
If you or someone next to you exhibits any of these symptoms, you should find your way to a hospital or ensure the affected person sees a physician immediately.
There are numerous strategies to stop the long-term consequences of concussions. However, the most important approach to avoid these consequences, particularly post-concussion syndrome, is to adhere strictly to post-concussion protocols.
By sustaining another injury to your brain, you risk having extended concussion consequences. Therefore, you must avoid physical or mental activity after receiving medical attention and obtain adequate rest.
Here are ways to prevent a concussion:
Seek medical attention immediately after a concussion: If you or someone you know has experienced a concussion, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Follow the doctor's prescribed course of action: If you have had a concussion, your doctor will probably recommend a treatment plan that may involve rest, medication, and therapy. To guarantee the greatest recovery possible, it is crucial to adhere to this treatment plan.
Avoid participating in contact sports or other activities that increase the likelihood of concussions unless you are a professional athlete. If you have to participate in any contact sport -football, hockey, boxing - ensure you wear protective gear.
Always wear your safety belt when driving and follow traffic rules and regulations.
Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is important for overall health and may help prevent concussions. Dehydration can increase the risk of concussion, so drinking plenty of fluids before, during, and after physical activity is essential.
All head-related injuries should be taken seriously and treated urgently. You should seek medical assistance immediately if you notice neurological symptoms like loss of consciousness, vomiting, drowsiness, coordination, and numbness.
Yes, concussions fully heal. However, the recovery process after a concussion can vary widely from person to person, depending on the severity of the injury and other factors such as age, overall health, and the individual's ability to follow recommended treatment plans.
Contact sports athletes such as hockey players, football players, military veterans, and boxers are at a higher risk of concussions.
Anyone can potentially suffer from a concussion. However, depending on their activities and surroundings, certain groups of people can be more susceptible to concussions.
A concussion can result in numerous long-term repercussions on a person's physical, psychological, and social well-being. While most concussion victims fully recover, others may continue to have symptoms or have a higher risk of developing neurological disorders. To guarantee a complete and quick recovery from a concussion, it is crucial for you to seek medical assistance and adhere to recommended treatment plans.
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