Concussions are very common occurrences in high contact sports, like football, and in situations like car accidents where you may receive jarring blows to the head. The knowledge and caution around concussions have increased over the years, and here are some things you should know about concussions.
Concussions Need Time to Heal
The recovery time of a concussion varies by person. It can take anywhere from two to twelve weeks (though two to six is the most common) for a concussion to fully heal. If you are still experiencing symptoms of a concussion after twelve weeks, then you may be suffering from post-concussion syndrome and will require further care.
The Second Concussion is Worse Than the First
It is very important to give your brain time to heal after the first concussion, as getting a second concussion while still suffering from your first may have serious, even fatal, consequences. A rare case called second impact syndrome can lead to brain swelling and pushing down on the brain stem, cutting off basic life functions and potentially leading to sudden death.
The Effects of Concussions Accumulate
Multiple concussions can lead to changes in the way you think, speak or act. They can also increase your risk of epilepsies, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other brain disorders.
Don’t Delay Care
The sooner you see a doctor for a concussion, the better chance you have of a quick and successful recovery. You may not know right away that you have a concussion, but you should still go get checked as soon as you notice symptoms, as getting checked within the first 7 days of the concussion can make a big difference.
Concussions can Aggravate Pre-existing Conditions
If someone who suffers from any of the following symptoms receives a concussion, it has a chance of worsening those symptoms:
- Learning disorder
- Attention-deficit disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Migraines
In these cases, concussions are more likely to take longer to heal as well.
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