Concussion– What You Need to Know
Concussions or traumatic brain injuries affect thousands of people in the United States every single year.
What makes concussions challenging to manage is their vague signs and symptoms that render the diagnosis and treatment difficult.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the number of hospital visits and deaths caused by concussions raised by 53% between 2006 and 2014.
The Signs and Symptoms of Concussion
The signs and symptoms of concussions are diverse and vague, manifesting as:
- Headache
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Irritability
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Depression
The Causes of Concussion
The brain is protected by the skull; however, the confined space within the skull can be counterproductive.
In order to stop the brain from crashing into the skull every time you move, the former secretes a liquid known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which acts as a lubricant.
Whenever the cushioning capabilities of the CSF get surpassed due to high-intensity crashes, concussions occur.
The shock waves travel throughout the brain tissue, tearing the neurons apart.
The Treatment Options for Concussion
Your doctor will base the treatment on the severity of your symptoms.
If a brain CT scan shows bleeding within the skull, draining the blood by a neurosurgeon may be useful to reduce the intracranial pressure.
However, most cases of concussions only require symptomatic treatment that consists of painkillers, rehydration, and neck support.
Your Provider may also prescribe one of the following medications:
Concussions are especially prevalent in athletes, occurring in thousands of professionals annually. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, telemedicine makes it possible for you to get the care you deserve. Schedule a virtual consultation with a Telakai Health online Provider and get on the road to recovery. Schedule your visit today.