5 Things You May Not Know About Concussion

By: Cristin Beazley, PT, DPT, CBIS

Did you know that March is Brain Injury Awareness Month? To help raise awareness of brain injury, we wanted to share five frequently asked questions about concussions.

1. What is a concussion?
   The Centers for Disease Control defines a concussion as a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or by a hit to the body, causing the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging the brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.
2. What does a concussion feel like?
   Each individual’s concussion symptoms are unique, but common symptoms include:
   • Headache
   • Dizziness
   • Problems with balance
   • Nausea
   • Fatigue
   • Neck pain
   • Blurred vision
   • Changes in sleep pattern
   • Difficulty understanding or thinking
   • Feeling ‘out of it’ or ‘in a fog’
   • Feeling depressed, anxious, or irritable
3. Why can people with a concussion do some things but not others?
   Concussions affect different bodily functions; many people can tolerate certain types of activity better than others. For example:
   • Visual deficits make reading, watching TV, or using the computer difficult; however, taking walks, listening to music, or performing household chores provoke fewer symptoms.
   • Vestibular deficits make movements in general bothersome. For example, turning the head or body, getting in and out of bed, walking in a crowded environment, or bending over may be difficult; however, reading, listening to music, participating in art/crafts, or using technology are less bothersome activities.

To learn how to support someone with a concussion and how to help modify activities during the healing process, click the button below!

If you or a loved one are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, the concussion experts at Sheltering Arms can help. Call (804) 764-1000 or click here to request a comprehensive evaluation with one of our specialists.

References:
• https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html
• http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/concussions