What You Need To Know About Concussion
Your Content Goes Here What Is A Concussion? A concussion is a trauma to the brain as a result of direct (blow to the head) or indirect (whiplash) force to the brain. The brain sits inside of our skull, surrounded by fluid that is designed to give it space to move ever so slightly. When a force impacts the head or causes it to move in a certain direction rapidly, the brain can “slosh” inside the skull and bump into the hard bone. This is the trauma that the brain can experience that causes a concussion. Think of it like a bruise to the brain. In the immediate aftermath of a concussion, blood flow to the brain declines, preventing important energy molecules in the form of glucose from reaching your brain. This creates an energy crisis in the brain which is why fatigue is a primary symptom people experience following an impact. If you, or your family are involved in sports, it is very likely that you know someone who has suffered from a concussion. Where Else Can A Concussion Occur? When we think of concussions, we often think of them happening in sports, but there are other places a concussion can occur Car Accidents Slips/Falls Work related injuries We all know that a concussion is not a good thing and we try to make sports and work as safe as possible to prevent these or other types of injuries. But sometimes it can still happen and it is always best to know what to do if you or someone you know has suffered a concussion. What To Do If You Think You Have A Concussion? If you or someone you know has a suspected concussion, it is important to give them immediate medical attention so that more severe consequences of brain injuries can be ruled out. It is also important to stop play or work until you can receive medical attention, as another impact to the brain immediately following the first, can be detrimental. In certain cases, bleeds can develop in the brain, leading to much more severe problems. This can be ruled out by a trained professional, and may require a head scan at the hospital. Typically it is recommended that immediately after a concussion, the person should rest, stop all screen use and lie down in a dark room. While these things can be important, some light cardio activity can actually help with recovery. It is still important to stop any activity that could involve the risk of second impact, but light activity as tolerated is good to incorporate into a recovery program. It is important to see a qualified professional for specific advice, as each person and their experience with concussion will be unique. Some are able to resume activities sooner, while others may need longer, depending on the severity of the impact. After seeing your family doctor, or a physician in an emergency room, a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist should be [...]