When most people think about concussions, they picture football players colliding on the field or someone taking falling and hitting their head. While these scenarios certainly cause concussions, they aren’t the only ones that lead to concussions.
In fact, people sometimes miss the warning signs because they assume a concussion requires an obvious head injury. This misconception can lead to delayed treatment and potentially serious complications.
Understanding how concussions work and recognizing the signs can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain moves rapidly inside the skull. Within the skull, the brain is cushioned on all sides by cerebrospinal fluid, which means it is supported, but moves independently from the rest of your head. When your head suddenly changes position, your brain can literally bounce against the inner walls of your skull or twist within it.
These types of impacts can cause temporary disruption to normal brain function. The injury affects the brain at a cellular level, altering the way neurons communicate and disrupting normal metabolic processes.
So yes, you can have a concussion without directly banging your head into something, although most concussions involve sudden and intense changes in head position, direction, or speed. Further, unlike what you might see in movies, you don’t need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. In fact, most concussions don’t involve a loss of consciousness at all.
Causes of concussions besides head injuries
While concussions can and do happen without direct head impact, many of them involve some form of trauma that would draw your attention to needing medical attention in some form or another. A few examples of high-concussion-risk scenarios include:
- Whiplash: Car accidents often cause concussions through whiplash, even when there’s no direct head impact to the steering wheel or headrest. The rapid back-and-forth motion of your head can cause your brain to move violently within your skull.
- Falls: Similarly, slip and fall accidents can create the same effect when your body suddenly stops but your head continues moving. You or your loved one may not have visible cuts or bruises on their head, but the internal damage is still possible.
- Sports-related impacts: Athletes in many types of sports can sustain concussions from body-to-body contact that doesn’t involve the head. A hard tackle to the chest or a collision while running can create enough force to jolt the head and brain. The sudden change in momentum is often enough to cause a concussion.
- Blast Injuries: Explosions create pressure waves that can cause concussions without any visible head trauma. Military personnel and first responders are particularly susceptible to these types of injuries. The shock wave from an explosion can disrupt brain function even when there’s no direct contact.
Symptoms of concussion after head injury
Recognizing concussion signs is crucial because symptoms aren’t always immediately apparent. Some people feel fine right after an incident only to develop problems hours or days later.
Whether it’s happened to you or someone you care for, asking about and taking note of these symptoms can help you find the right treatment quickly.
Physical Symptoms:
- Headaches or pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Ringing in the ears
Cognitive symptoms:
- Confusion or feeling “foggy”
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slowed thinking
- Trouble finding words
Emotional and sleep-related symptoms:
- Irritability or mood changes
- Anxiety or depression
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Trouble falling asleep
- Feeling more emotional than normal
These symptoms can appear immediately or develop over several days. Some people experience subtle changes that they initially dismiss as stress or fatigue. These subtle changes can become persistent and part of daily life if not treated.
What to do if you think you have a concussion
Following proper concussion protocol can make a significant difference in your recovery. Acting quickly and appropriately helps prevent complications and supports healing.
Seek medical care immediately
Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve on their own. Contact a primary care or sports medical provider as soon as possible after a suspected concussion. Emergency care is necessary if you experience severe symptoms like repeated vomiting, seizures, extreme confusion, or loss of consciousness.
For Yourself
- Stop any physically or mentally taxing activities that could worsen symptoms
- Avoid driving until cleared by a medical professional
- Stay with someone who can monitor your condition
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully
- Get plenty of rest and avoid alcohol
For a Loved One
- Don’t leave them alone for the first 24 hours after injury
- Watch for worsening symptoms
- Help them follow medical recommendations
- Ensure they avoid activities that could cause another head injury
- Be patient with their recovery process
Many people try to “tough it out” or return to normal activities too quickly after a potential concussion. Failing to respond with appropriate treatment can cause more lingering side effects and potentially dangerous complications. It’s always better to be cautious and seek professional care.
Concussion management in Grand Rapids
Whether you know you have a concussion, or are worried about similar symptoms, Advent is here to help. Call one of our Grand Rapids area clinics or request an appointment online to get seen quickly by a physical therapist who can help you figure out the right plan of care for you or your loved one’s concerns.