With the summer months upon us it means many are spending more time outside and doing more physical activities. While the summer is a great season for exercise, it can also be prime injury season as well. From swimming to roller blading to touch football on the lawn, the opportunities for both major and minor injuries is increased. This is especially true for concussions, and the hazard is greater because most people do not understand the symptoms or seriousness that concussions can represent.
So what is a concussion? To sum it up, it is a temporary loss of normal brain function caused by a head injury. The brain’s soft tissue is cushioned by spinal fluid and encased in a hard, protective skull. When a person gets a head injury, the brain can move around in the skull and even bang against it. This can lead to bruising of the brain, tearing of blood vessels and injury to the nerves. Most people with concussions recover just fine with appropriate treatment, but it is important to take proper steps if you suspect a concussion, because it may be serious.
Concussions and other brain injuries are fairly common, and the most common way of getting a concussion is through a sports injury. High-contact sports such as football, boxing and hockey pose a higher risk of head injury, even with the use of protective headgear. People can also get concussions from falls, car accidents, bike and roller blading mishaps and physical violence, such as fighting.
The signs of concussion are not always well-recognized. Although we may think of a concussion as someone passing out, a person can have a concussion and never lose consciousness. Symptoms of a concussion may include:
- “Seeing stars” and feeling dazed, dizzy, or lightheaded
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Blurred vision and sensitivity to light
- Slurred speech or saying things that do not make sense
- Difficulty with coordination or balance
After a concussion occurs, the person should not go back to the activity they were engaged in when they got the concussion. During the first few days following a concussion, a person should rest, both physically and cognitively. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the person should be evaluated by a medical professional to see if further testing is necessary.
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