What Are the Warning Signs of a Concussion?

Recognize the warning signs of a concussion.

A blow or hit to the head could result in a traumatic brain injury known as a concussion. When we think of concussions, we often think of football players or other professional athletes; however, concussions can happen to anyone. It’s essential to recognize the signs of a concussion so you can seek immediate medical attention from our Franklin, TN, board-certified physician Dr. Sravani Mehta at BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab).

What Are the Most Common Causes of a Concussion?

We often see concussions resulting from a bad fall, car accident, assault, or sports injuries. Children, teens, and seniors are typically at the highest risk for concussions and may be more likely to deal with a longer recovery process. If you’ve had a concussion in the past, you may be more likely to experience one again.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Concussion?

If you’ve had an injury, accident, or fall and hit your head, you may be worried about whether you might have a concussion. You could have a concussion if you develop these symptoms after a head injury,

Sudden or intense fatigue
Loss of memory
Loss of consciousness
Headache
Confusion
Nausea and vomiting
Trouble thinking
Memory issues
Dizziness
Vision issues
Mood changes
Altered mental state
Sleepiness

If you develop these symptoms after a head injury, it’s essential that you turn to our Franklin, TN, physician right away to find out if you have a concussion.

When Will Symptoms First Start?

Symptoms often appear within minutes of the injury; however, symptoms don’t always show up immediately. It may take hours for them to appear and worsen over the coming days or weeks.

How Long Will My Recovery Process Be?

This will vary from person to person depending on several factors, including the severity of your concussion. It is common for symptoms to persist for days, weeks, or even months.

How Are Concussions Treated?

Rest is key to healing, so it’s vital that you rest as much as possible throughout the day, taking naps when needed. Depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing, you may find that computer screens exacerbate your symptoms. In this case, you may wish to take time off work until your symptoms have improved. You should avoid any sports or activities that could result in a head injury.

You may take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to ease headaches or other aches and pains related to your concussion. Self-care is typically the best course of action for managing symptoms until your brain has healed. Dr. Mehta and her team can discuss different treatment options with you to help support your recovery.

Dr. Mehta is on a mission to provide patients with the comprehensive care and treatment they need for post-concussion recovery. BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) serves both Franklin, TN. If you are dealing with a concussion or traumatic brain injury, our team can help. Call (615) 450-6758 today.