A concussion results from a jolt, blow, or bump to the head. It can also come from ablow to the body that is so strong it makes the brain move inside of the skull. Concussions can cause changes in how the brain functions and can have long-term, serious effects.
Concussions are Common
Concussions happen more often than you think. According to one recent study, over one million people were diagnosed with a concussion between 2008 and 2016. Children younger than five years old had the highest rates of traumatic brain injuries.
Concussion diagnoses continue to rise, especially among high school athletes. Many experts are alarmed, as they believe that the rates should have slowed due to increased awareness, but they have not. Many people have dismissed concussions as rare or becoming less common, but we need to be more cautious than ever.
Leading Causes of Concussions
According to the CDC, the most common causes of concussions seen in emergency departments include:
- Falls
- Car accidents
- Assaults
- Playing sports
- Unintentionally being struck by an object
Symptoms of Concussions
Concussions can present with a variety of symptoms. They can show up immediately or even up to several days after the injury. Some of the most common signs of a concussion include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Balance issues
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Issues with speaking
- Interrupted sleep patterns and trouble sleeping
Treatment
Rest is critical to healing from a concussion. While this includes physical rest, mental rest is also vital to healing. Television, reading, video games, and screen time via computer, phone, or tablet should all be minimized. It takes anywhere from 7 to 10days on average to heal. However, symptoms can continue for weeks to months after the injury. Once a person is no longer experiencing symptoms, they can slowly return to normal activities. It's critical to transition slowly because the brain is still healing, even if symptoms are no longer present.
Maintaining Head Health
Concussions are serious injuries. Even with increased awareness, though, rates continue to grow. However, with the proper attention and preventative measures, concussions can be avoided.
If you or your loved one experiences any of these symptoms after an injury, seek medical attention right away. All Patient Plus locations are open seven days a week to help you Get In. Get Better.
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When you’re sick or injured, whether routine or urgent, quality medical care should be easy to find and available when you need it. That’s the idea behind Patient Plus Urgent Care, with convenient locations in Baton Rouge, Hammond, Prairieville, & Brusly.
Patient Plus treats most common illnesses and injuries — the sniffles, rashes, fevers, aches, breaks, and other conditions that deserve prompt treatment but aren’t serious enough to require a trip to the nearest emergency room. The clinics provide complete diagnostic services, including X-rays, EKGs, and flu and strep tests. Other services include physicals, vaccinations, and more. Patient Plus clinics are open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and patients never need to call first or make an appointment.