Concussion recovery often takes an extended period of time. Recovery rates vary from person to person. Some concussions only result in mild trauma, but severe injuries can generate symptoms for years. However, most concussion cases resolve positively within about a month.
Concussion results from physical trauma like a football injury, car accident, fall or deliberate injury. Recovery is the time that it takes to heal after a brain injury. Many concussions go unreported because there are no pain receptors in the brain. When the brain comes into violent contact with the inside of the skull, victims can receive damage or bleeding that goes undetected. Most symptoms of concussion disappear in a week to 10 days, and sports injuries are often ignored as the expected results of competitive athletics.
Signs of Concussions
There is a difference in symptoms observed by others and those detected by concussion victims. If a concussion is suspected, the victim should be carefully observed by medical staff, friends or family members because the victim might not recognize these symptoms:
- Changes in mood, behavior or personality
- Loss of consciousness
- Responding to questions slowly
- Inability to remember the details of the accidental injury
- Dazed or stunned appearance
- Forgetting instructions, assignments or sports plays
- Clumsy movement
Reported symptoms are those recognized by the victim, and they usually include the following physical issues:
- Headaches or feelings of pressure in the head
- Dizziness or trouble trying to maintain balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Physical discomfort caused by light or noise
- Feelings of sluggishness, grogginess and mental fog
- Mental confusion or an inability to concentrate
- Forgetfulness
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurry vision
Usually, symptoms appear immediately after the injury, but that’s not always the case. Some symptoms can be delayed for hours or even days after receiving a brain injury.
Causes of Concussions
The causes of concussion can range from a simple fall to a deliberate beating. Automobile accidents are responsible for some of the most severe injuries, and sports-related activities can result in permanent disability. The brain has the consistency of gelatin, and it must rely on the skull for protection. Cerebrospinal fluid provides protection from common jolts and bumps, but the brain has little protection against violent impacts against the skull. The most common causes of concussion include:
- Taking part in high-risk sports like football, hockey, boxing, soccer and rugby
- Falling, which is especially common among young children and elderly people
- Failing to wear proper safety equipment in sports activities, construction work or riding a motorcycle or bicycle
- Being involved in a motor vehicle collision
- Work-related injuries
- Being a victim of physical abuse
- Being a soldier in combat
- Having a previous concussion
Having had a previous concussion makes someone more likely to experience another concussion. This can build up quickly with repeated concussions.
Treating Concussions
Most concussions are treated with rest and limiting physical activity. Take rest breaks throughout the day, and avoid extreme physical activity or sports while symptoms remain. The time it takes to recover can vary from days to weeks. The most severe cases might require surgery. However, rest and sleep are the primary ways of dealing with a concussion.
Doctors often conduct neurological tests to identify more serious damage. The tests involve assessing memory, concentration or focus, ability to recall important information and imaging tests. Brain imaging tests include CT scans or MRIs in cases where victims have severe headaches, seizures, continuous vomiting and brain bleeding.
Doctors often prescribe pain medication for severe headaches. If the symptoms don’t begin to fade after a few days or grow worse, discuss the issue with a doctor. Patients with symptoms or problems that last more than 3 months might have a problem called postconcussion syndrome. Discuss this possibility with a doctor.