Concussion Season – More than just a head knock.
Concussion is often synonymous with football season, although contact sport isn’t the only way to suffer a concussion. It could be the result of a fall, a knock or in contact free sports such as netball and cricket.
A concussion is defined as ‘a brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body. This occurs from a mild blow to the head, either with or without loss of consciousness.’ As there is no structural damage with a concussion, it cannot be diagnosed via imaging such as MRI, CT scan etc. Images are, however, crucial in ruling out possible fractures or bleeds. Symptoms vary between patients and can include some obvious physical complaints to more subtle changes in mood and sleep.
The physical symptoms can include: headaches, neck pain, dizziness, motion sickness, nausea & vomiting, loss of consciousness, sensitivity to noise and light, vision impairment, loss of balance and speech disturbances. Mood changes associated with concussion include: increased irritability, confusion, feeling vague and flat, memory difficulties, lack of concentration, and sadness. After a concussion patients may experience fatigue, insomnia and trouble falling or staying asleep.
Keeping in mind that you do not have to lose consciousness to be concussed, if you or someone you know may have suffered a concussion recently, the Chiropractors at Granger Chiropractic can assess you for appropriate care.
Image: https://www.brainfacts.org/-/media/Brainfacts2/Diseases-and-Disorders/Injury/Article-Images/concussion-knowable-thumbnailjpg.png?h=423&w=750&hash=5BACA423728761ECDE62321ECC03F17A7B3CF177
