National Concussion Awareness Day: How to Recognize a Concussion
September 20th is National Concussion Awareness Day, a time to focus on understanding, preventing, and properly treating concussions. These injuries can affect anyone, from professional athletes to your next-door neighbor. Recognizing their signs early can make a big difference in recovery.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Even a seemingly minor impact can disrupt normal brain function. While most concussions are temporary, they should never be brushed off. Ignoring one or experiencing repeated injuries can increase the risk of lasting effects.
How to Recognize a Concussion
Spotting Physical Symptoms
After a head injury, keep an eye out for:
- Headache or pressure in the head: Persistent or worsening pain should be checked.
- Nausea or vomiting: Especially if it happens more than once.
- Dizziness or balance problems: Be cautious with walking or standing.
- Blurred or double vision: Pause activities that require sharp vision.
- Sensitivity to light or noise: Dim lights and keep noise low if needed.
- Unusual fatigue: Rest as much as possible.
What to do: Stop physical activity, sit somewhere safe, and see if symptoms worsen or improve over the next few hours.
Watching for Thinking and Memory Changes
Concussions often affect how you think and process information:
- Feeling “foggy” or confused: Struggling to follow a conversation or routine.
- Trouble concentrating: Simple tasks suddenly feel hard.
- Memory gaps: Not remembering what caused the injury or events right after.
- Slowed response times: Taking longer to answer basic questions.
What to do: Limit screen time, reading, or tasks that require heavy focus until cleared by a healthcare provider.
Emotional or Mood Clues
Your emotions may give away a concussion, too:
- Irritability or mood swings
- More sadness or anxiety than usual
- Feeling extra emotional
What to do: Tell someone how you feel. Emotional symptoms are important for your doctor to know.
Sleep Changes to Watch
Changes in sleep patterns can also signal a concussion:
- Sleeping more than normal
- Struggling to fall asleep
- Sleeping less than normal
What to do: Stick to a calm nighttime routine, and avoid using sleep aids unless prescribed. If sleep disruptions last, follow up with a doctor.
What Should You Do Next?
If you suspect a concussion:
- Stop what you’re doing: Avoid sports, heavy lifting, or anything risky.
- Rest and monitor symptoms: Stay in a quiet environment for the next 24–48 hours.
- Seek medical care: Head to a doctor or urgent care if symptoms get worse, you vomit repeatedly, have severe headache, or experience confusion that doesn’t improve.
- Don’t go it alone: Ask someone to check in on you for the first day or two.
- Ease back into activities slowly: Only return to work, school, or sports with your provider’s approval.
How Is a Concussion Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a concussion often involves a combination of physical exams, neurological evaluations, and imaging when needed. Neuroradiology plays a key role in this process by using advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI or CT scans, to rule out more serious injuries like brain bleeding or swelling. These scans provide clear images of the brain, helping your doctor make informed decisions about care and recovery.
How Is a Concussion Treated?
Treatment for a concussion typically focuses on rest and gradual return to normal activities. This may include:
- Physical rest to allow the brain to heal
- Limiting screen time or cognitive strain
- Follow-up evaluations to monitor progress
In most cases, symptoms improve within a few weeks, but medical guidance is vital to ensure a safe recovery.
3 Ways to Protect Against Concussions
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are three ways to reduce the risk of concussions:
- Wear Proper Protective Gear: Helmets for biking, sports, or certain work activities can significantly reduce impact.
- Make Your Home Safer: Secure rugs, improve lighting, and clear walkways to prevent falls.
- Practice Safe Play: Encourage children and athletes to follow rules and avoid risky behaviors during sports.
Protect Your Brain Health with Expert Imaging
At ImageCare Radiology, we provide advanced neuroradiology services to help diagnose and guide care for head injuries, including concussions. If you or a loved one has experienced a head injury, prompt evaluation is important. Our compassionate team is here to provide clear answers and expert imaging so you can move forward with confidence.