A blow to the head can be dangerous. Sometimes a person can get hit so hard they black out. But even if they don’t lose consciousness, damage can still occur after a hit to the head. In fact, most cases of concussion occur without the person blacking out. While you may be more apt to check for a concussion after blacking out, you should still know what to look for after a hit to the head, even if you remained awake through it all. Knowing the signs of concussion will help you know when you need to take action.
What Causes a Concussion?
Most concussions come about from a blow to the head. However, shaking your head or upper body violently can also cause the condition. Falling is the leading cause of concussions, but people involved in contact sports–such as football, rugby, and even soccer–have a higher risk of getting one as well.
How do I Know if I Have a Concussion?
There are many symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some signs include:
- Headache
- Blurry vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Confusion
- Seeing stars
- Slurred speech
- Delayed response
- Sensitivity to light and noises
These are just some of the signs and symptoms. There are many more, so if you–or someone else–are not feeling well after a hit to the head, or are acting differently, that may be a sign that that person has a concussion. Not all concussions need to be seen by a doctor, however. That said, there are cases where it is important to get it diagnosed. Some symptoms that may be related to a serious head injury include:
- Seizures
- Continued vomiting
- Confusion and/or disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Dilated pupils
- Reoccurring dizziness
Concussions are serious conditions that aren’t to be taken lightly. In sports, a player that has a concussion shouldn’t return to play the same day the concussion was received. Many sports have strict concussion guidelines in place to help protect players from doing more damage after receiving a head injury.
While concussions aren’t pleasant, they may also be part of other injuries sustained. If you are experiencing any signs of concussion, or pain and need relief, Hampton Roads Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine can help. Visit us online to schedule an appointment and start getting the relief you need!
