Have you hit your head or hit you by a ball to the head while training? Then you may experience severe headaches. A severe headache can also be a sign of a concussion of the brain. But how do you deal with a concussion and what exactly does it mean? Let’s clarify the most important questions.
How does a concussion occur?
A concussion usually occurs with more severe head injuries. A concussion is referred to as a brain injury because the brain is pushed against the wall of the skull on the inside. It is also often referred to as a minor traumatic brain injury. The causes can be different.
Normally, an impact or external force against the head causes concussion of the brain. A distinction can be made between mild and severe concussion of the brain. With mild concussion of the brain, you have more severe headaches in the back of your head and complain of mild nausea. If you have severe concussion of the brain, you complain of many more symptoms. A typical sign is vomiting.
There are ways to avoid concussion. For example, you can wear a helmet while cycling. With children it is necessary to pay attention to the correct seat in the car. A poor-quality car seat can cause serious head injuries. In the case of small children, take special care not to give them any opportunity to climb. Because especially at a young age you are exposed to concussion of the brain.
Causes
There are many ways to get a concussion of the brain. Even small bumps to the head can mean a slight shock. Basically, a concussion of the brain affects the head. A head injury gives the brain a good jolt. That is why sports injuries are one of the most common causes.
You hit your head, the ball hits you very hard on your head or your head hits the ground. These are very familiar situations in sport. This is why the discussion about the introduction of compulsory helmets or head protectors has started in football. The reason for this is that more and more footballers are suffering serious head injuries with serious consequences.
The debate also started in youth football to ban headers up to a certain age. The reason for this was the as yet incomplete development of children, who are therefore significantly more susceptible to serious consequential damage. But it is not only sporting activities that can cause brain concussion. Accidents with a motorbike, bicycle or car can also cause serious head injuries.
Symptoms
Now the question arises: how to recognise a concussion? The good news is that concussion is very easy to diagnose. The symptoms are very clear. In the event of symptoms, however, it is important to consult a doctor. Because a concussion cannot rule out further brain damage. A concussion can cause bleeding in the brain and this can be life-threatening.
The most common symptoms of a concussion include:
- Severe headache
- Visual impairment
- nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- unconsciousness
- Neck pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Photosensitivity
These symptoms do not necessarily have to appear immediately after the accident. It can take up to several hours for the first signs to become apparent. In addition, some symptoms may extend over a longer period of time, such as neck pain.
If these symptoms occur after a head injury, consult a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will then determine the severity of the concussion and provide the necessary treatment.
What to do in case of brain concussion?
If someone in the immediate vicinity hits their head, you can also quickly check the severity of the victim’s concussion. Ask the person for their name and current date. You can also check the victim’s mobility. If you notice clear problems here, you can assume severe concussion of the brain.
If there are no or only a few problems, mild shock can be assumed. Then take the person to the doctor or call an ambulance. If, for example, the skull is cracked or the person is unconscious, you should provide first aid immediately and dial the emergency number. With our Taris app, you can also call a professional doctor nearby.
How long do you need to rest in bed if you have a concussion?
Once you have been diagnosed with cerebral concussion, you first need plenty of rest. Normally, the attending physician orders bed rest for several days. A lot of rest and sleep is needed to recover from a concussion. The brain must first recover from the shock. Sporting activity must also be avoided for a long time.
Sport can be banned for a period of between 2 and 4 weeks. After a concussion, the brain is still very vulnerable to further injury. This is why it is particularly important to give the brain time to recover.
When is concussion dangerous?
It depends on the severity of the concussion. Basically, you make a full recovery with a mild and severe concussion. However, further head injuries cannot be excluded. If you do not seek medical attention for a concussion, undetected head injuries can be very dangerous.
What are the possible consequences of brain concussion?
In many cases, additional injuries occur that may not be visible from the outside. For example, brain hemorrhages can also occur, which are very dangerous. But long-term effects such as insomnia and poor concentration can still occur long after a brain concussion.
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Sources and further links:
- https://www.tk.de/techniker/gesundheit-und-medizin/behandlungen-undmedizin/neurologische-einschraenkungen/was-ist-einegehirnerschuetterung-2016374
- https://aok-bv.de/presse/medienservice/ratgeber/index_23534.html
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