Many people have gotten concussions in their lifetime, whether it be from playing sports, getting into an accident or other ways. While you may think this injury is not a big deal, it can be, so it is important to know the facts. Usually, this injury is not life-threatening, but they can still become a serious health issue.
Enlist the services of the premier neurosurgeon in Beverly Hills with Dr. Yashar for any questions or concerns you may have about the health of your brain or spine.
About Concussions
When you suffer from a concussion after a head injury, your normal brain function can become disrupted. This can mean a lot of things, and lead to a variety of symptoms. Some people can lose consciousness after a head injury, but not always.
The brain is very complex, and every brain injury is different. Some symptoms can appear right away; in other cases, it may take days or weeks for symptoms to appear. Because of this, it can be hard to identify or recognize that you or a loved one is suffering from a concussion.
Concussion recovery varies significantly. Most people suffering from mild concussion will recover fully, but will usually take some time. Your doctor will come up with a plan and an estimated recovery time.
Signs and Symptoms
The sign and symptoms of a concussion can be very subtle, so it’s important to really pay attention to your body. The problems may be missed early on by you, your doctor and your family members. Even though you may be looking fine, you could still be suffering.
Here is a common list of symptoms to watch out for:
● Neck pain or headaches that do not go away
● Difficulty concentrating, making decision or remembering
● Slowness when thinking, acting, speaking or reading
● Getting easily confused or lost
● Having no energy or motivation and feeling tired all the time
● Moodiness and mood swings
● Changes in sleep patterns
● Ringing in the ears
● Loss of sense of taste and/or smell
● Urge to vomit and dizziness
● Lightheadedness and feeling off balanced
Just how serious are they?
In the days and weeks following a concussion, you should pay attention to the severity of your symptoms. Just one concussion can alter the brain permanently, and it can cause some serious complications. In rare cases, a concussion can develop into a dangerous blood clot on the brain against the skull.
If you notice any of these danger signs, make sure to call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away:
● Headaches that get worse or do not go away
● Decreased coordination, numbness, or weakness
● Repeated vomiting
Some especially dangerous signs to watch out for are:
● One pupil is larger than the other
● Suffering from convulsion or seizures
● Getting very agitated or confused
● Cannot be wakened
If you notice any of these signs, your doctor will need to perform a series of tests to determine the severity of the concussion and any complications that may have developed. Severe, repeated concussions can lead to long-term cognitive changes. These changes remain unclear, however, and will be different for every case.
Another complication of severe, repeated concussions is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This progressive degenerative brain disease usually occurs in professional sports players, most notably players in the NFL. CTE develops over time in people who have suffered multiple brain injuries, and the symptoms can surface up to decades after a person’s last concussion.
Neurosurgeon in Beverly Hills
If you think you suffered a concussion, it’s important to speak to your doctor right away. Our experts at Yashar Neurosurgery can help treat you, being the top neurosurgeon in Beverly Hills. They treat each patient individually, guiding them through each step of their tailored treatment process.
