What are the Long-Term Effects of a Concussion?

You might think that your concussion is nothing more than a minor thump to your head, but did you know that even a mild concussion can cause long-term effects? Ignoring a head injury can lead to serious problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or death. If you have a concussion, learn what symptoms to watch for and when you should seek post-concussion care.

Concussions 101

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that most often occur after a violent incident that causes your brain to hit the inside of your skull. These incidents can involve physical violence, contact sports, car accidents, or workplace accidents. Contrary to popular belief, concussions are relatively common injuries that medical professionals can miss. If not adequately treated from the beginning, even mild concussions can lead to prolonged problems and difficulties, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Epilepsy 
• Cognitive impairments

Under the surface

At first glance, a concussion may seem as if it has fully healed in just a few short weeks. However, there is a significant risk of going back to normal before healing is complete. Additional brain injuries after the initial incident can lead to lifelong damage and, in worst-case scenarios, a second impact could lead to death. If symptoms appear out of the ordinary for you, there may be lasting or permanent damage that needs further assessment and post-concussion treatment. Signs to watch for can involve a combination of the following:

• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Headaches
• Impaired balance
• Loss of consciousness
• Mood or personality changes
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Ringing in the ears
• Vision problems
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Irritability
• Difficulty speaking
• Depression 
• Seizures
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue
• Inappropriate behavior

What to expect at your appointment

If you experience head trauma of any kind, it is imperative to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. During your appointment, one of our experts will look over your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail. After asking basic questions to determine your state of mind, your doctor will likely examine your head for external injuries and will also check the dilation of the pupils in your eyes. 

Your doctor may order additional tests, such as Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scan, to check your brain for further damage. Once results are in, your doctor will work with you on developing a post-concussion treatment plan that meets your needs. 

Post-concussion rehabilitation

As experts in post-concussion care, the team at One Accord Physical Therapy knows what it takes to fully recover after a traumatic brain injury. Beginning with sufficient rest, post-concussion rehabilitation involves a slow and steady return to living fully with the guidance of a dedicated team. To book your appointment and go over available options for treatment, give us a call or use our convenient online scheduling tool today.