(Concussions first appeared in the Public Opinion newspaper.) Concussions are serious injuries that need to be addressed by a medical professional. Matthew Pilkerton, physician assistant at Keystone Urgent Care in Chambersburg, shares what you need to know about concussions and why it’s important to seek treatment.
What is a concussion?
A concussion isn’t just a bump on the head – this type of traumatic brain injury is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. A concussion causes the brain to bounce around inside the skull, leading to injury of the brain and how it functions. Concussions can cause severe headaches, seizures, loss of consciousness, visual disturbances, memory loss and confusion. Severe life-threatening concussions can cause intracranial bleeding and swelling of the brain.
What are the symptoms?
A concussion is a serious medical condition and until recently hasn’t received the attention it deserves when it comes to properly identifying and managing them. Someone with a concussion may appear dazed, off balance, experienced a loss of consciousness; trouble remembering things or a change in their normal behavior or attitude. Patients who have a concussion may report having a headache, memory loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise, abnormal vision changes, feeling tired or groggy, numbness or weakness or even loss of urine or bowel control.
Don’t Tough It Out
Anyone with any kind of head injury and with any symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider and monitored closely for any change in their condition. Immediately stop the sport or activity and avoid any further contact. Take the injured person to the nearest healthcare facility for evaluation. If the symptoms are severe or the nature of head injury is life-threatening, call 911 immediately. It is important to seek immediate medical care to confirm the diagnosis and get proper treatment. Patients can go downhill quickly even if they appear relatively stable.
Suspect a concussion?
Concussions are best handled by trained healthcare professionals. Treatment includes a thorough physical examination to find any neurologic and cognitive impairment. Based on the severity of the concussion, a CT scan may be performed. These tests are important to help a patient receive the best course of treatment. It is very important not to return to any physical activity that has potential for a repeated head injury. Back to back concussions can lead to very serious and debilitating conditions. Never return to normal activity or sports until cleared by your healthcare provider.
Post-concussion syndrome
Another disorder that can sometimes last for weeks or months after a concussion is post-concussion disorder. This disorder, often accompanied by headaches and dizziness, can cause short to long-term problems with migraines, fatigue, dizziness, trouble with memory or focus, noise or light sensitivity, and sleep disorders. Patients can also develop potential psychological disorders such as anxiety, panic disorder or depression resulting from the concussion. Concussions are serious injuries and should always be treated accordingly.
For more information about Keystone Urgent Care, click here.
This article contains general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or care by a qualified health care provider.
