If you get into a car crash in Idaho and hit your head or move it violently, it may cause a concussion. Recognizing the symptoms of a concussion is essential, allowing you to treat it as soon as possible.
Understanding how a concussion occurs
Motor vehicle accidents can cause concussions due to the tremendous force placed on your head during the car wreck. This mild traumatic brain injury happens because your brain bounces back and forth inside your skull.
Three severities are used to grade concussions. With a Grade 1 injury, you don’t lose consciousness, and amnesia is present or absent for less than 30 minutes. Amnesia can occur for 30 minutes to 24 hours with a Grade 2 injury or loss of consciousness for less than 5 minutes. Grade 3 injuries include amnesia for more than 24 hours or loss of consciousness for more than 5 minutes.
Symptoms of a concussion
The symptoms of a concussion can occur for up to four weeks. They include headaches, trouble with sleeping, memory issues and changes in your mood. Other physical symptoms can include dizziness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise and nausea and vomiting. While most individuals make a full recovery, it’s essential to know how to treat your concussion.
Treatment for a concussion
Treatment for this mild brain injury includes rest and medication. You want to get plenty of sleep and avoid physical exertion as well as activities requiring mental concentration, such as using a computer, watching television or playing video games. If you have headaches, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is recommended. You want to avoid aspirin and ibuprofen as they can cause bleeding.
If you go home after suffering a concussion and have increased nausea and vomiting, more confusion, trouble talking, headaches that get worse or excessive sleepiness, it’s best to return to the ER to receive a medical evaluation. Otherwise, giving your brain time to heal is best.