Your child’s complaining of a headache, and you just found out she fell on the playground a few hours before. There’s a small bump on her head, and you’re concerned. Is it a concussion? What should you do?
Here are some basic facts about concussions to take into consideration the next time you, your child or someone you know suffers a bump on the head.
Concussions involve traumatic brain injury.
A concussion is not the same thing as a bump on the head, although it may involve this type of swelling, depending on the injury or accident that caused it. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes normal brain functions. It occurs when the brain hits the side of the skull as the result of an impact to the body or head, or violent back-and-forth shaking.
Concussions may cause brain cell damage.
When the brain hits the rough, hard skull surface, damage may occur that affects a person in a variety of ways. Damage in the form of tears or fissures can result in concussion symptoms. Symptoms of a concussion may affect a person’s thinking or movement. Signs of a concussion may include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty with balance
- Blurred vision
- Disorientation
- Dilated eye pupil
- Dropping of one eye or side of the face
A person who has suffered a concussion may or may not lose consciousness. Symptoms do not always occur right away; it may be hours, days or weeks before there are any noticeable indications of injury to the brain.
A concussion requires immediate medical care.
Anyone suspected of having a concussion needs swift medical care. There is a risk of brain swelling when a concussion occurs, which is a serious concern. Even “mild” symptoms should be considered reason to seek prompt medical support. Don’t wait to see if symptoms worsen.
When to seek medical care in the case of “no concussion symptoms.”
There are some cases where individuals must be checked out by a medical professional, even if there are no signs of concussion. Anyone who has suffered a previous injury to the head recently should seek care right away, even if the first injury was “just a bump on the head.” Second concussions present a higher risk for serious brain damage and can even prove deadly. People who are on blood thinner medications should also see a medical professional right away any time a bump on the head occurs due to a heightened risk of brain bleeding.
Chiropractic neurology care is a great choice for help with ongoing symptoms.
In some cases, concussions result in symptoms that don’t seem to go away, despite medical care. Dizziness, headache, difficulty with thinking or other symptoms may linger for many weeks or even months, causing discomfort and disruption to the person’s daily life. A chiropractic neurologist is a great choice for medical support in such cases.
Chiropractic neurology focuses on finding the root causes of health problems and conditions. By focusing on the body as a whole and examining the function of all possible systems and organs within the body that may be affected by concussion, it’s possible to develop a care plan patients are likely to respond to very well. Safe, natural therapies may bring about relief from stubborn symptoms, as optimal function, health and wellness are achieved.