Traumatic brain injuries have become a major health concern in Canada. Concussions are the most common traumatic brain injury, with an estimated 40,000 cases reported each year. They can occur during sporting activities or due to unintentional accidents.
Even though these injuries are quite common, data suggests that almost 50% of Canadians have little to no idea about the condition. Almost 85% of the population has no idea about how to correctly identify the best way to treat the symptoms of a concussion.
Most aren’t even aware of the signs that indicate a possible concussion!
Let’s look at some symptoms you need to be aware of:
Confusion
The primary symptom of a concussion is confusion. If a person exhibits the following signs after suffering from a shot to the head, they might have a concussion:
- An inability to maintain a logical stream of thought
- Increased distractibility
- An inability to perform a simple task or sequence of movements
Physical Illness
A person that has a concussion can experience physical illness symptoms that include nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Headaches and blurred vision are also quite common
Sensory Issues
Concussions impact the brain, in turn affecting all the senses. A person who is exhibiting sensitivity to light or a decreased sense of taste and smell might have a concussion, for instance. They could also have difficulty concentrating on something and can even exhibit memory loss.
Danger Signs of a More Serious Brain Injury
While most concussions are mild and the patient can recover in a couple of weeks; sometimes, a blow to the head can result in a serious brain injury.
Here are some signs that can help you identify whether it’s just a concussion or something more dangerous:
- Seizures
- Abnormal or unusual behaviour
- Inability to recognize people or places
- Difficulty forming words
Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Whether the symptoms are mild or severe, it’s always prudent to consult a concussion specialist following a head injury. Getting immediate medical attention can help prevent any lasting damage or even disability in some cases!
Contact Our Concussion Specialists In The Greater Toronto Area!
Sports & Exercise Medicine Institute offers expert diagnoses and concussion treatments to athletes in the Greater Toronto Area. Being a leading sports medicine and physiotherapy clinic, our doctors, physiotherapists, and sports-injury specialists offer innovative treatment options and effective injury recovery and rehabilitation programs to athletes. We also help them manage the long-term impact of these injuries and various musculoskeletal issues.
Our services include sports massage therapy, physiotherapy, foot pain podiatry, shockwave therapy, massage therapy, PRP injections, custom knee braces, pelvic health physiotherapy, and neck and shoulder pain treatments.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment!
