concussion management in San Antonio

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CONCUSSIONS

There are several common misconceptions about concussions, and it's important to dispel these myths to better understand and manage this injury. Here are some common misconceptions:

• You must lose consciousness to have a concussion

  • Fact: Loss of consciousness is not required for a concussion diagnosis. In many cases, people who experience concussions remain conscious throughout the event. Symptoms can manifest immediately or take some time to appear.

• Concussions only happen in contact sports

  • Fact: While concussions are more commonly associated with contact sports like football and hockey, they can occur in a wide range of situations, including car accidents, falls, and non-contact sports. Any significant blow to the head or body can potentially result in a concussion.

• Concussions are always accompanied by loss of memory (amnesia)

  • Fact: While amnesia or memory problems can occur with concussions, it's not a universal symptom. Many people with concussions do not experience memory loss. Symptoms vary from person to person.

Causes of a concussion

Common causes of concussions include:

• Direct trauma to the head either through an accident, fall, or sports related injury

symptoms of a concussion

There are several symptoms to look out for if you have sustained a concussion:

• Headache

• Sensitivity to light

• Sensitivity to noise

• Confusion

• Memory problems

• Lack of balance

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fatigue

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR a concussion

Treatment for a concussion typically involves rest, both physically and cognitively, during the initial recovery period and avoiding activities that could worsen symptoms. Pain management with medications like acetaminophen may be used for headache relief. A gradual return to normal activities, such as school or work, is recommended once symptoms improve, under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Close monitoring for any worsening symptoms is essential in the first 24-48 hours. Preventing re-injury is crucial, and in severe cases or if symptoms worsen, medical evaluation and neuroimaging tests may be necessary to rule out more serious brain injuries.

REPERCUSSIONS OF NOT TREATING A CONCUSSION

Neglecting the treatment of a concussion can result in a range of adverse consequences, both in the short term and long term. These include prolonged recovery with persistent symptoms disrupting daily life, an increased risk of subsequent concussions and potentially life-threatening second-impact syndrome, the development of post-concussion syndrome with enduring symptoms, cognitive and emotional issues like memory problems and mood disturbances, impaired academic or professional performance, a heightened risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from repeated concussions, possible neurological complications, and an overall reduced quality of life. Seeking immediate medical attention and adhering to proper concussion management protocols are essential to minimize these repercussions and ensure a safer and more complete recovery.