Knowledge is power when it comes to concussion

Do you know the symptoms of concussion?

Many people experience concussions without feeling the ‘typical’ symptoms. This is because concussion awareness and knowledge is often insufficient amongst the general public. Being honest and reporting your symptoms is the starting point to help you get on the road to recovery.

Without knowledge about what to look for, understanding concussion symptoms and awareness on the myths of concussions (such as I was not dizzy or I don’t have a headache, so I don’t have a concussion), individuals aren’t equipped to help themselves and seek the right care.

Knowing the signs and symptoms associated with concussions will allow you to effectively report one so that you can seek the necessary treatment options to recover and ultimately, return to activity.

Concussions aren’t always obvious – you don’t need to lose consciousness (pass out) to have suffered a brain injury. Some people will immediately show signs of a concussion, such as memory loss, forgetting what happened just prior to suffering the injury, nausea and fogginess. But, not everybody will. This is why it’s crucial to seek medical attention if there is a head injury of any sort.

Concussion symptoms normally resolve within seven to fourteen days. If they persist, you should seek treatment from a healthcare professional with training in concussion management.

What are common concussion symptoms?

Physical: 

• Headache
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Light sensitivity
• Ringing in the ears

Cognitive:

• Slowed thought
• Fogginess
• Poor concentration
• Memory loss

Behavioural:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbance

For more information on Lifemark’s Concussion Care services: www.lifemark.ca/services/concussion-care