Over 25% of Americans experience concussions at some point in their lives. Therefore, you are not alone if you experience this traumatic brain injury. More good news is that Oakhurst board-certified internal medicine specialists could help you deal with the situation to lead a quality life. Concussions will affect how your brain functions and how you feel, affecting your balance, coordination, concentration coordination, and stimulus sensitivity. You could experience a concussion from a blow to your head, and that is why the condition is common with sporting activities but can also occur from whiplash. Here is what you can do when you experience a concussion.
Stop Your Action
Concussions are common with sporting activities, and some symptoms can occur immediately, such as confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea, and ringing in the ears. But sometimes, you can feel fine following an injury, and the symptoms might begin later. No matter the case, notice when you are hit on the head and immediately stop what you were doing and not return the same day. Lie down or remain rest seated for a while before standing or walking. Ensure you are medically examined before you can get back to your activity.
Call Assistance Immediately
You should call immediate medical assistance if you are incapacitated. If you are experiencing neck pain, continuous vomit, weakness on one side, drowsiness, anxiety, or confusion, you should call for immediate medical care. Such symptoms might indicate severe brain damage. Someone else can call for help in a situation where you are unable. Try not to move if you are experiencing head or neck pain and let someone else know until expert help arrives. Remember that concussions can also be related to spinal injuries, and moving can cause permanent damage.
Seek Emergency Care When You Begin to Feel Worse
You might have felt better after incurring an injury, and there was no need for emergency care. But if you notice you are beginning to feel worse over time, please get in touch with an emergency health care provider as soon as you can for expert diagnosis and treatment. Note a headache that only gets worse and does not improve over time, note when you start to stumble or feel clumsy, and when you are progressively becoming dizzier. Additionally, seek emergency care if you feel confused or have problems with your speech.
Seek Help Right Away for Seizures
It would help if you did not wait to seek medical assistance when you experience a seizure. The symptom indicates something serious unless you had epilepsy before the injury or have frequent attacks. Also, note when you experience post-traumatic seizures and seek help immediately even if you have recovered from your injury. Episodes that come one week late could mean you suffered a severe brain injury.
See Your Doctor No Matter What
Never underestimate a blow to your head even if you experience mild symptoms that go away with rest. It is vital to seek expert evaluation and diagnosis even if you feel okay. Your doctor might recommend imagery tests like CT scans or MRIs to rule out severe brain damage and give you further treatment advice. Your doctor will also evaluate any other injuries you may have attained. Remember to bring a friend or anyone there when you reach your injury since you might have trouble concentrating and need reminding.
Learn more about concussions by talking to the Kai Sports Medicine concussion specialists. If you had a head injury, discuss your symptoms with your provider and follow their instructions carefully. Remember to talk to the doctor no matter what. You can make an online appointment or call in case of an emergency.
