Sports like soccer, rugby or football might be high-levl fun, but that doesn’t mean they come without risk. Every day adults and children suffer blows to the head from hits, bumps and falls while playing all types of sports. And while the majority of those injured will get right back up, how are you to know a concussion didn’t occur? Loss of consciousness is not always the only symptom of a traumatic brain injury, which is why it’s important to seek help after any blow to the head.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Many people are under the impression that it’s easy to determine if someone has a concussion based on them feeling “off”, but that’s not the only symptom. There are actually many that need to be monitored for, including:
– Headaches
– Feeling Nauseated
– Vomiting
– Slurred Speech
– Dizziness
– Confusion
– Brain Fog
– Memory Issues
– Ringing in Ears
– Fatigue
– Trouble or Delay Answering Questions
If you notice any of these symptoms (or if the person lost consciousness), it’s crucial to get help right away.
Where to Find Help for a Concussion
If there is a medical emergency, always go to a hospital immediately to ensure there is no immediate danger. For long-term concussion care that takes an in-depth look at the injury, functional neurologists are the best resources. They’ll use the best technology and tests to determine exactly where the brain was damaged from the hit or fall. It’s important for them to have this information so they can provide the most comprehensive care that tackles the root cause of the issue rather than just the symptoms.
Once the functional neurologist has gathered the necessary information, they will create an individualized brain-based rehabilitation plan. This will be designed to help repair cells in the brain that were damaged when the injury occurred. These rehabilitation plans are customized for each and every person, because no two brain injuries are exactly same.
The next step in the process is simply for the patient to continue with the rehabilitation (as recommended by the practitioner), as it’s not something that produces changes overnight. It takes time for the brain to heal and for new connections to rise in those that darkened from the injury.
The Results
As the patient continues with the rehabilitation plan, they may experience changes like improved memory, decreased nausea and fewer headaches. This is due to the fact that functional neurologists utilize the best techniques to help repair and rebuild connections within the brain. Over time these connections may become stronger, and that can result in the patient feeling better than ever before.
When it comes to sports concussions, there is no substitution for long-term rehabilitation. This is especially true for individuals who have suffered more than one blow to the head. If you’re looking for in-depth help, then seeing a functional neurologist should be your first step.