Did you know that concussions are more common than you may think? They are defined as a type of brain injury that is caused by a bump, a serious blow, or a jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur if you fall or hit the body. In this case, the brain moves violently back and forth. While concussions aren’t considered life-threatening, they can still cause serious problems if you don’t take immediate medical action.
If you have had a concussion or believe that you may have, there are several important steps to take, because ignoring a concussion can lead to dangerous consequences.
Why Are Concussions Concerning?
Even though concussions are common, they should not be taken lightly. A concussion can cause serious symptoms that can last for days, weeks, or even longer. In some cases, concussions can lead to problems. While most won’t have lingering effects of a concussion, some people may experience more serious problems, like memory loss.
Immediately After a Concussion
The first step is to see a doctor as soon as possible. A medical professional will be able to properly diagnose you and create a treatment plan.
While concussions can cause a variety of symptoms, some of the most common include:
- headaches
- blurry vision
- sensitivity to light or noise
- dizziness or balance problems
- nausea or vomiting
- fatigue or drowsiness
- difficulty concentrating or remembering
Two or Three Days After A Concussion
Several days after a concussion is also important because you will likely experience some of the symptoms listed above. At this point, it is essential to get plenty of rest and avoid activities that could make your symptoms worse. This means no physical activity; reading, working on the computer, watching television, or playing video games.
Once you have seen a doctor and have been cleared to resume normal activities, the next step is to consult with an eye doctor for vision therapy. This means that you will work with an expert to help improve your vision and any other symptoms you may be experiencing. It’s not uncommon to experience problems with your vision following a concussion, because the concussion can cause changes in the way your eyes and brain work together.
Vision therapy for concussions will involve several techniques geared at helping adults and children recover from the visual symptoms of a concussion. The therapist will design a personalized program based on the individual’s symptoms and needs.
Patients will learn how to use their eyes correctly and efficiently. They will also be taught different exercises to help improve their vision. These exercises can be done at home or in the office and will help improve symptoms such as double vision, headaches, dizziness, and light sensitivity.
One To Two Weeks Following A Concussion
About a week after your concussion is the time when you can slowly integrate back into your normal routine. However, make sure not to overdo it at the beginning, because this can make your symptoms worse. Start with easy activities and gradually increase the amount of time you spend doing them. If at any point your symptoms get worse, stop the activity and rest.
Don’t forget to get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and don’t forget to eat. Of course, if you are experiencing any symptoms that are concerning you, make sure to speak with your doctor.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know anyone who may have had a concussion, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and pay attention to the symptoms. Also, remember that you may not have immediate pain or discomfort following a head injury. For this reason, it’s always imperative to have an extra layer of caution if you have suffered any kind of head trauma. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.