Signs of concussion should be considered in the early stages of a possible brain injury
There are many symptoms that can appear if you sustain a head injury from a blow or accident and it's important that you identify these warning signs so that you can seek medical attention as soon as possible.
One common symptom is a headache. Headaches that occur because of concussions can range from minor to serious issues, so if you're suffering from headaches you should check with your doctor right away. If your headaches are persistent and last for more than a few days, then you need to talk to your doctor about the possibility of a brain injury. If you suffer from chronic headaches, then there is a good chance that you have a history of headaches.
Another sign of a concussion is memory problems. Many people suffer from memory lapses after head injuries. This is especially true if your brain has had damage to the stem or other areas of the brain in the past. If memory problems persist for more than a week or two, you should talk to your doctor. Memory problems can also be a result of depression, so it's always important to talk to your doctor if you notice any symptoms or changes in depression.
You may also feel weakness in your arms, legs, or torso. If you have severe limb pain that lasts more than a couple of days, you should talk to your doctor about getting an MRI or CT scan to rule out possible spinal cord injury. Your doctor will be able to tell you if the symptoms you are experiencing are the result of a brain injury or are caused by some type of spinal injury.
Some of the more common signs of brain injury include problems with thinking clearly or concentrating. These symptoms can vary depending on where the injury is in the brain and how severe the injury is. If you are having trouble concentrating, it is important to talk to your doctor right away. Your doctor can help you determine the cause so you can learn how to prevent further injury.
If you've had a traumatic brain injury, then you may suffer cognitive impairment. People who sustain head injuries can have a short-term memory loss due to the injury and then their cognition can be adversely affected. If your memory becomes impaired and you can't recall things clearly after a short amount of time, then you should talk to your doctor about having cognitive testing done to determine the cause of the problem. A doctor may be able to determine if the injury has resulted in a loss of consciousness or if you have signs of amnesia.
Signs of concussion may include blurred vision. This can be caused by swelling in the eyes and/or the brain due to blood flow and fluid buildup, so it's important to contact a doctor immediately if you notice blurry vision that doesn't improve after you have been resting for a while. Other symptoms of a head injury may include seizures, numbness, tingling, weakness or changes in your body's sensation. If you experience these symptoms, then you should contact your doctor immediately and you should have an MRI or CT scan done to rule out an injury to your brain stem or other parts of the brain.
Once you've been through a brain injury, you should always discuss your symptoms with your doctor so that you can identify the signs of a brain injury and avoid further injuries. Head injuries can be very damaging and debilitating and you don't want to endure such damage again if you don't have to.