Have you Experienced a Concussion?
In some cases, an injury is serious enough that the person who sustains it will need to undergo a screening for a concussion. In other cases, you might not even realize that you are at risk of a concussion because your injury seemed mild or not very serious. At Falling Waters Injury & Health Management Center, we specialize in workplace and auto injury treatment. If you have sustained a head injury or were involved in an accident, we will screen you for symptoms of a concussion and recommend an MRI or CT scan if appropriate. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention of concussions.
What Causes a Concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury that causes a loss of normal brain function, either temporarily or permanently. Medically speaking, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions can be caused by a blow to the head or other head trauma which causes the brain to move around in the skull. This can cause chemical changes in the brain which can stretch or damage brain cells. No matter how mild a concussion is, it’s a serious injury that requires evaluation and treatment.
Recognizing Concussion Symptoms
A concussion can occur even after a mild injury, and you won’t necessarily lose consciousness. Being aware of the symptoms of concussions will ensure you get treatment quickly:
- Severe headache
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Fatigue and/or drowsiness
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Amnesia
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Dazed appearance
- Delayed response to questions
- Forgetfulness
Concussion Treatment & Recovery Options
You should visit a doctor if you experience a head injury, even if the injury isn’t severe enough to warrant emergency treatment. We can complete a neurological examination and any necessary medical or imaging tests to make an official diagnosis. Concussion treatment can help your brain heal and improve your chance of a full recovery. We will recommend physical and mental rest, limiting activities which require thinking and concentration, limiting physical activities, and avoiding any activity that could result in another head injury. Most people begin to see improvement within a few days to a week depending on the severity of the concussion and symptoms.
Long-Term Effects & Risks of Concussions
The long-term risks of a concussion, particularly one that isn’t treated or isn’t treated early enough, can include:
- Memory problems
- Irritability and personality changes
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression
- Smell and taste disorders
Can You Prevent a Concussion?
You can help prevent a concussion when engaging in activities that have the risk of resulting in a head injury, like riding a bicycle or motorcycle, snowboarding, skateboarding, participating in contact sports like football and wrestling, and any other high-impact activity. Wearing a seatbelt and helmet when possible can reduce your risk of a concussion.
Get Concussion Treatment in Bend, OR
If you suspect you have a concussion in Bend, OR, schedule an appointment with us at Falling Waters Injury & Health Management Center. Our chiropractors and support team will conduct a full neurological screening to look for symptoms of a concussion or brain injury. We can then design a personalized concussion treatment plan. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
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Concussions
