Here’s How To Diagnose & Treat A Concussion

Headache, nausea, sensitivity to light, forgetfulness, and sleeplessness.

Ask someone who has had a concussion how it feels, and you may hear any of these descriptions. Vertigo, mental fog, fuzzy vision, and trouble finding words. Concussions may cause a wide range of symptoms, all of which can vary substantially in severity and duration.

For individual patients and their medical professionals, as well as for society at large, preventing and treating concussions is a difficult task. Although diagnosing concussions is often not difficult, it is difficult to predict how they will progress and recover – and practically impossible to treat. As there are possible symptoms, there are almost as many recommended therapies and research on remedies.

Andrea/Pexels | Yet up until recently, physical and mental relaxation was the only certain advice

Diagnosis

In addition to reviewing your medical history and doing a neurological examination, your doctor will assess your signs and symptoms. It may take hours or days for concussion symptoms and signs to manifest.

Imaging Exams

For certain patients, brain imaging may be advised if they have signs and symptoms, including severe headaches, seizures, frequent vomiting, or symptoms that are becoming worse. If there has been blood or swelling in the skull, brain imaging may be able to tell how serious the damage is. Adults often get a cranial computed tomography (CT) scan to evaluate the brain immediately after damage.

Mart/Pexels | A CT scan may provide cross-sectional pictures of your skull and brain

Cognitive Evaluation

During a cognitive exam, your doctor may do a number of tests to assess your cognitive abilities. Testing may assess a number of things, including you:

– Memory

– Concentration

Neurological Testing

Your doctor may do a neurological evaluation after thoroughly investigating your accident. This assessment involves examining the following factors:

– Vision

– Hearing

– Balance

– Coordination

– Reflexes

Lisa/Pexels | The sooner you get back to your usual routine, the better for you

Treatment

You may take actions to hasten your recovery and aid in your brain’s healing.

– Pain Reduction

After a concussion, headaches may appear days or weeks later. Ask your doctor whether it’s okay to use an analgesic like acetaminophen to treat your pain (Tylenol, others). Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and other brands) and aspirin should not be used since they may increase the risk of bleeding.

– Getting Back to Regular Activities

You could gradually increase the amount of thinking-intensive tasks you undertake, such as your workload at work or school, as your symptoms improve.

– Mental and Physical Rest

During the first two days after a concussion, relative rest is advised, which includes minimizing activities requiring thought and mental focus. Completely shutting yourself off from the outside world while resting in a dark room does not promote healing and is not advised.