7 Ways To Check For A Concussion Injury

The causes of a concussion are fairly straightforward; if you suffer a blow to the head, a hefty jolt to your neck or any other part of your upper body, it is possible for your brain to be afflicted by mild trauma.

Such injuries most commonly occur during physical activities, with sports like football being especially notorious for causing concussions. The outcry over concussions in the NFL has resulted in significant policy changes and resulted in significant reductions in instances.

There are many symptoms of concussion injuries to look out for, but how can you check definitively whether or not you or someone you know is afflicted with this type of ailment? Here are some basic things to look out for that might be useful in determining whether you need to seek professional assistance.

Check Your Balance

If you have a concussion, it is more than likely that your ability to balance normally will be hindered. If you cannot walk in a straight line or you have trouble standing straight without feeling like the world is swimming around you, consult a medical professional.

Watch For Erratic Moods

A concussed individual may be prone to dramatic, unprompted changes to their mood or behaviour in the aftermath of the injury. This can also manifest itself as a general sense of confusion, which in turn may lead to uncharacteristic irritability.

Test Your Memory

If you are unable to recall the details of the incident which you believe caused the concussion, it is probable that the trauma suffered by your brain has indeed been significant enough to be classed within this fairly broad category of injuries.

Pay Attention to the Pain

One of the simplest ways to check for a concussion injury is to see whether or not the use of basic store-bought painkillers, taken in the recommended doses, is enough to deal with any discomfort you are feeling. A concussion will usually still be painful even if you take medication that would effectively treat a normal headache.

Look Out for Lethargy

Not every concussion sufferer will exhibit all of the symptoms covered so far, but another side effect can be an unusual amount of tiredness coming over the afflicted individual. While you may fall unconscious immediately after the impact, this can be more delayed, so if you feel that your eyelids are heavy and staying awake seems like a struggle, a concussion may be on the cards.

Signs of lethargy may also be down to your diet, with research suggesting that it plays a role in your brain health.

Don’t Ignore Nausea

You might assume that for true concussion to be present, you will need to feel nauseous to the point of actually vomiting. While this is a good signal that you do indeed have a concussion, sometimes the simple fact of having a perpetual sense of nausea is enough to tell you what you need to know.

Examine your Eyesight

Your brain and your vision are intricately linked, so it is no surprise that a quick way to check for a concussion is by taking note of any blurriness, doubling or other distortions in your field of view. Detecting, treating and preventing concussions through these techniques should limit the likelihood of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

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