A slip-and-fall accident left you feeling bruised and shaken, but relatively unscathed – except for a nagging headache that suggests you must have hit your head during the fall. You do not even remember hitting your head because it all happened so fast. However, as you begin to feel worse, you worry about whether you should see a doctor and how a possible concussion might affect you both short- and long-term. You would not be alone. Concussions are a common, yet serious injury for countless people in Texas and elsewhere.
A concussion, states the Mayo Clinic, is a brain injury that occurs after a blow to the head. You do not have to strike your head particularly hard to get a mild or moderate concussion. Most patients recover fully from concussions, but it is important to recognize the symptoms and get the proper treatment. Disregarding the severity of your concussion can delay your recovery and may lead to ongoing complications.
The following are some symptoms you might experience with a concussion:
- Persistent headache
- Confusion and memory problems
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to noise and light
Your concussion might also lead to disturbances in your sleep, depression, poor coordination, anxiety, slurred speech and more pronounced concentration and memory problems. Regardless of how hard you hit your head, you should see your doctor within a couple of days if your symptoms persist or worsen. If you lost consciousness even briefly after hitting your head or your pupils are different sizes, seeing a doctor immediately would be wise.
You will most likely be told to refrain from physical and mental activity and get plenty of rest during your recovery from a concussion. Your brain is the most important organ you have, so it is important to give a head injury the attention it needs.