A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury from receiving a hard blow to the head. It is commonly seen in motor vehicle accidents or contact sports like football or hockey. Here are the common warning signs of a concussion:
Headache: It is one of the most common signs of a concussion. More than 30% of patients report a long-term headache as one of the aftereffects of a concussion. Headaches may occur due to the accumulation of blood or fluid inside the skull. A headache caused by a concussion may affect your ability to think and carry out normal tasks.
Sensitivity to Light: This is the second most common symptom of a concussion. Light sensitivity also known as photosensitivity is a vulnerability to bright light. This symptom can last long term as part of a post-concussion syndrome. Special-tinted glasses may be able to alleviate this symptom.
Amnesia: This is a state of confusion in which you find yourself unable to remember crucial events as well as basic information. A variety of feelings may be experienced with this condition including confusion, anger, anxiety, and distress. It can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few months.
Dizziness: After a concussion, an act as simple as getting up from a sitting position can cause feelings of disorientation and you may have a hard time keeping your balance after standing up.
Vision Problems: This is due to damage to the muscles and nerves surrounding the eye. People who suffer a concussion will often experience blurry vision, double vision, or loss of vision.
Tinnitus: It is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears that commonly occurs after a concussion. Tinnitus may be due to damage to the ear or hearing nerves that makes you sensitive to even the smallest of sounds.
Dysarthria: It is the slurring of speech or difficulty forming words that can occur due a head injury making it difficult for people to understand you.
If you have recently suffered a head injury and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is best to consult your doctor or neurologist for an evaluation of your condition.
North Suffolk Neurology is a full-service Neurology, Headache Medicine, and Sleep Medicine practice consisting of dedicated, experienced staff committed to helping our patients and their families maintain and improve their health. For all in-office appointments & inquiries, please call (631) 364-9119. You can also schedule a telehealth appointment by calling (631) 886-4571.
