The topic of concussion is a juggernaut, gaining more speed and mass as more people are aware of the consequences that can occur. Unfortunately, the severity of this injury can be greatly underestimated and misunderstood by the sufferer, the people closest to the sufferer and sadly the healthcare providers trying to treat the person. Here are a few vital points to think about if you or someone you know has suffered a concussion recently or even a long time ago.
Concussions ARE Traumatic Brain Injuries. Someone receiving a diagnosis of a Traumatic Brian Injury (TBI) is more likely to receive the healthcare they may need than a person with the same injury, but diagnosed as concussion. For ease, I will be referring to concussions as TBI.
No two TBI’s are ever the same and no two brains are alike. So, that means no one is ever going to present with the exact same injury and symptoms after having a TBI. That also means, no two people are going to respond the same to treatment or recover in the same manner.
Our human skull is round. Surprise! This means in the event of a TBI, not only is there the potential of damage from the external areas, but also from rotational aspects that can damage the central areas of the brain.
Most of the time, structural damage does not occur, therefore, imaging of the brain like MRI and CT brain scans are usually normal, but symptoms like headaches, head pressure, confusion, fogginess, dizziness, nausea, delayed responses to questions, and memory-loss typically occur.
More than just your brain is affected. Our brain helps control every process in our body. So you can imagine that a person could also suffer from hormonal changes, even a reduction in testosterone in men, gut changes and cardiac issues. Depression and anxiety and autoimmune conditions are also secondary consequences of a TBI.
Lastly, there is h
ope! Even for the Chronic Long Term Sufferers! Sitting and waiting to get better or meeting with a referred therapist to learn how to cope with the new way of life is not the complete answer. Finding a Healthcare Provider who is well versed in Brain Rehabilitation and can create a treatment program to rehabilitate the injured areas of the brain involved in the trauma.