Headaches and Concussions
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Defined Tag: Other Headache Types.

Concussion is a mild traumatic internal head injury involving temporary loss of normal brain function.  It is usually caused by a blow to the head. Concussions do not always involve loss of consciousness and many may never black out. Some may have had concussions and never realized it. People who sustain head injuries, particularly those who have been knocked unconscious, are advised to seek medical attention to ascertain that there are no internal injuries. If no other symptoms are apparent, they are allowed to go home a few hours later and resume their normal activities immediately the day after. However, there is always a provision for an observation period in case any of the symptoms manifest themselves.

Concussion: Its After-Effects

Many people display the symptoms of a concussion hours or days later, usually within two weeks from the incident or perhaps longer in rare cases. It is common to experience mood and cognitive disturbances. Fear, anxiety and depression may set in affecting the person’s decisions regarding the future in which case, family and friends over time may also undergo what is called "compassion fatigue." Barring any serious complications, most people can readily recover from the concussions.  However, it is important for anyone experiencing the after-effects of a concussion to take care and allow enough time for recuperation.

Common Symptoms to Watch Out For

* Headaches

Concussion will often result to headaches. They are expected to diminish with time. However, if you exert much effort immediately after the accident, you may observe an increased frequency in your headaches. It may be comforting to know that it is more of stress and fatigue causing these headaches and not the concussion itself. In this case, it is important to take adequate rest and slow down on your activities in order to minimize having these headaches. You do not have to resort to taking medications for headache relief.  However, if headaches persist with increased severity, consult a doctor.

* Dizziness

It is also possible to upset the balance of the organs in the inner ear during a head injury. This can result into vertigo or the feeling of spinning or whirling whenever you make sudden movements. It is also common to experience a floating sensation or a distorted sense of reality for several weeks after the concussive event. These discomforts are normal after the accident and like headaches, you can expect them to improve as time passes.

* Vision Disturbances

You can also expect to encounter vision problems for a few weeks after a concussion. You may experience having blurry or double vision and find bright lights offensive.  Try wearing sunglasses to cut the glare.  If you feel that your vision does not improve with the passage of time, see your doctor.

* Fatigue and Drowsiness

Feelings of exhaustion and sleepiness are common.  Pay attention to your body and discern what it is telling you. If you feel tired and sleepy even after a very light activity, your body is saying that you need rest.  The brain needs time to recover so it can send the proper signals to your body.

* Disorientation and Lack of Concentration

A person who has a concussion could experience diminished concentration and short-term memory loss.  Long term memories are readily recalled, but one made a few minutes before can be completely forgotten. It means that the brain is yet incapable of creating and storing new memories and that it is still healing itself. Do not force yourself to remember everything and instead, allow yourself plenty of time to rest.

* Clumsiness

A concussion can also affect your spatial perception causing you to drop things, trip, or bump into people or objects. Note that this is only a temporary condition but it is advisable that you refrain from driving any motor vehicle until you regain normalcy in awareness and reactions.

* Irritability

Family and friends may complain of your irritability after having a concussion.  You may be surprised at your unusually short temper, which causes you to snap at everyone around you. This is not a permanent change in your behavior. The brain is still in the process of recuperating and self-control and being polite are not on its list of priorities just yet. If you find your irritability strangely more frequent after a concussion, allow more time for your recovery period.

Recovery Period

One or more of these symptoms will be noticeable in most people.  It usually takes about two weeks for the person to return back to normal although some after-effects may linger in about 10 percent of the cases.  If you observe your condition to worsen and if you have not shown any improvement at all after three weeks, you must consult with your doctor immediately.

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