Post Concussion Traumatic Symptoms

Concussions are caused by trauma to the brain and may range in frequency from mild to severe. Depending on its severity a concussion may pose short term or life long problems. If you feel that you have may have a concussion, seek medical attention immediately.

Cause

• Concussions are caused by a traumatic blow to the head. This can be the result of impact by a moving object or when the head hits an object (such as during a fall). People who engage in hard hitting impact sports are particularly at risk for concussion.

Identification

• There is no way to positively identify whether or not you have a concussion without the aid of medical testing. You can have a concussion without suffering a black out, headaches or other immediately apparent neurological symptoms.

Amnesia And Confusion

• Two common symptoms of a concussion are confusion and loss of memory. The memory loss frequently involves the loss of recollection of the event that caused the concussion to occur. Persons suffering from a concussion may also repeat statements and questions multiple times (perseverating).

Other Symptoms

• Other symptoms of concussion include ringing in the ears, headaches, nausea and vomiting. After several days new symptoms may appear, such as irritability, sensitivity to light and noise, difficulty sleeping and the inability to concentrate.

Long Term Complications

• People who have had a concussion are at an increased risk for epilepsy in the five years after the event. Furthermore, people who have suffered multiple concussions have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life.

When To See A Doctor

• Anyone who who has had a head injury resulting in lack of consciousness should be seen by a doctor. This also extends to persons suffering a head injury which does not involve lack of consciousness but is accompanied by symptoms which cause concern.