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6 Signs of a Concussion
Car accidents, falls, and sports injuries are the most common causes of concussions. This mild brain injury is more common than you may realize, with about 3.8 million cases reported in the U.S. annually. Concussions are so pervasive they’re sometimes called a silent epidemic.
These injuries require medical intervention to minimize persistent symptoms, affecting 10-30% of those injured.
Dr. Peter Atkins and his staff at Atkins Chiropractic are highly experienced in helping patients recover from concussions and avoid lasting issues.
Here, they outline the six most common signs of a concussion and the appropriate steps to take following such an injury.
6 Signs of a concussion
A prevalent myth is that concussions always involve loss of consciousness, which isn't the case.
1. Loss of consciousness
Not all concussion involves loss of consciousness, but they can happen. Even without losing consciousness, victims might experience confusion or disorientation.
2. Memory issues
Concussions often cause short-term memory loss, mainly forgetting the events leading up to the injury. Concussions might also slow your thinking or make it difficult to remember new information.
Repeated concussions before full recovery from the first can significantly increase the risk of long-term memory problems.
3. Headaches and nausea
Pain in the region of impact is typical, accompanied by headaches and potentially neck pain.
With or without vomiting, nausea is expected immediately after a concussion but may persist. Repeated vomiting post-concussion is a serious sign that necessitates calling emergency services.
4. Balance disturbances
Dizziness or a sense of imbalance affects about 30% of individuals with a concussion. This symptom can exacerbate other issues like nausea and increase the risk of subsequent falls.
5. Visual disturbances
The American Optometric Association notes that 90% of those with concussions suffer visual symptoms such as blurry vision, seeing "stars," or sensitivity to light. Issues may include double vision, difficulty tracking, or increased eye strain.
6. Emotional changes
While physical symptoms may be commonly recognized, concussions can also affect your mental health, prompting irritability, anxiety, or anger.
Post-concussion care
All head injuries should be taken seriously. Severe cases require immediate emergency intervention. Signs that require emergency attention include:
- Worsening pain
- Unequal pupils
- Persistent vomiting
- Seizures
- Unresponsiveness
- A lack of familiarity with people or surroundings
Following emergency care, rest and monitoring are typically recommended.
How chiropractic adjustments help in concussion recovery
Chiropractic treatment can treat many concussion symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, back pain, and dizziness.
By restoring proper alignment and function to the spine, chiropractic adjustments help alleviate symptoms and aid the body's natural healing process.
Once your concussion symptoms start to subside and your primary care physician green-lit your return to physical activity, you can begin your concussion chiropractic care.
Your care includes various techniques to address musculoskeletal issues associated with your concussion. These techniques typically include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, therapeutic exercises, and neuromuscular re-education.
We may also recommend treatment with our Atlas Orthogonal System, which is explicitly designed to tackle the upper spine.
For further information about concussion treatment options, call or send a message and make an appointment with Dr. Atkins and his team at Atkins Chiropractic today to start healing.