What is a Concussion?

 

A concussion is a type of brain injury that can affect how your brain works. It can be caused by a number of factors including hits to the head, face, neck, or somewhere else on the body. These impacts cause the brain to move back and forth inside the skull. Hard enough movements can cause the brain to become injured. This can cause your brain and body to work and feel different than normal.

 

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?

Concussion symptoms vary from person to person. Symptoms can present themselves immediately after the hit occurs, or it can take up to several hours or even days for an onset of symptoms to occur. Concussion symptoms can be grouped into 4 different categories: physical, mental, emotional/behavioural, and sleep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How long will it take to recover from my concussion?

 

Recovery from a Concussion varies from patient to patient. In most adults, symptoms will resolve within 1-2 weeks. Patients that may take longer than two weeks to recover include: children, adolescents, and females. Patients with a previous history of concussions, migraines, headaches, learning disabilities, or ADD may also take longer to recover. 

 

What types of activities may worse my concussion symptoms?

 

In order to recover from a concussion, patients require adequate amounts of both physical and mental rest. During recovery, it is important to modify daily activities in order to minimize symptoms. Physical activities that may worsen concussion symptoms include: 

• Walking long distances

• Running

• Lifting heavy objects

• Playing with symptoms or classmates

Mental activities that may worse symptoms include:

• Talking or texting on the phone

• Working on a computer

• Watching TV

• Homework

• Reading

Certain environments can also worsen concussion smptoms such as:

• Malls

• Grocery stores

• Sports arenas

• School hallways and classrooms

Since every concussion is different, these activities may vary from patient to patient. 

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