The Serious Symptoms of a Concussion

We worry every time our children hit their heads in a sports game, or whenever we fall while doing household chores and bonk the backs of our heads. We always cringe and we might even get a big bump on our foreheads. But there is always that worry in the backs of our minds. Is there a chance of concussion?

Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that cause the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce or even twist inside the cranium, and that can create chemical changes in the brain that could lead to concentration issues, headaches, memory problems, and confusion. For many concussions, these effects are temporary, making it possible to have a full recovery. But in some cases, concussions can be severe and the risks of long term health issues can rise. This is why it is important to always seek emergency medical care when there is a risk for concussion, as medical treatment can make it easier to recover from concussions.

No matter the severity of a concussion, all concussions are considered serious brain injuries that require medical attention. It is important to know where the nearest place to seek emergency help is. Free-standing facilities like The Colony ER Hospital, are sometimes the closest medical help available, and can be invaluable when seeking help for a brain injury.

To help you identify a concussion and know when you need emergency help, look for some of these common signs of concussions.

1. Headaches & Pressure in the Head: If you have a bad headache or feel a pressure in your head after you’ve hit your head, fallen, or suffered a strong jolt, then you might start to feel pressure building up in your head. This could be a sign of concussion, since your brain might have been jostled inside your skull. Be careful with these headaches and make note of what area of the head you feel the most pain.
2. Temporary Loss of Consciousness: if you or a loved one passed out for even a brief moment during a head injury, then seek immediate medical attention. It does not matter how quickly you regained consciousness, this could still be a sign of concussion.
3. Amnesia Surrounding the Traumatic Event: maybe you hit your head and you cannot remember how it happened? This can actually be a sign of concussion. Being unable to remember the event leading up to the injury, as well as amnesia about other aspects of yourself or your life, can be signs of severe concussions. This symptom requires immediate medical attention.
4. Dazed & Delayed Response: If your friend got hit on the head and suddenly feels very foggy, they might be concussed. Being unable, or slow, to answer questions or do small tasks can be a sign of brain trauma and should be treated quickly.
5. Nausea, Vomiting, & Ringing in the Ears: These are all symptoms of possible concussion. The chemical imbalance that comes with concussion can cause dizziness and nausea, so if you feel these after your head has been hit, you might be concussed.

If you or a loved one exhibits any of these signs after a hit to the head, you want to be very careful. Seek medical attention immediately. Making sure that concussions are diagnosed and treated can help to reduce any risk of long term brain damage.

So be careful out there this spring and remember that The Colony ER Hospital is always open and ready to treat any emergency—concussions included.

Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit The Colony ER Hospital or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.