Concussions are common head injuries that can cause mild to severe side effects, including nausea, dizziness, memory loss, and brain damage. Seeking medical attention is recommended for severe symptoms, and postconcussive syndrome can cause headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Multiple concussions can lead to long-term neurological damage and psychological conditions.
A concussion is a brain or head injury caused by trauma to the head. Concussions are common injuries and often cause no long-term damage. However, getting a concussion can be painful and can sometimes include more serious side effects, such as brain damage. Observing the side effects of a concussion following an injury or accident can let people know when to seek medical attention.
The mild side effects of a concussion typically occur within minutes to hours after an injury and can last for several days. These can include nausea, dizziness, shock, headache or pain around the injured area. People with concussions may not remember being injured or may have short-term memory loss of the events leading up to the injury. Vision may also become temporarily blurry soon after the injury.
Other side effects of a concussion that may be a cause for concern include vomiting, repeated loss of consciousness, severe chills, and an inability to remember what happened, even after being told repeatedly. These side effects can be caused by swelling in the brain, which can also disrupt reflexes, affect memory and speech, and cause feelings of extreme sleepiness. Medical experts generally recommend seeking immediate medical attention if you experience any of these side effects.
Even with a minor injury, a concussion affects someone for several days or even weeks. Postconcussive syndrome is a documented medical event and usually presents as a severe headache, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness. Also, a blow to the head can cause abrasions, cuts, or bumps that can be painful and hold for some time. Once a doctor has ruled out any serious problems, treating these side effects usually involves taking a mild pain reliever and resting. If the concussion occurs as a result of exercising or playing sports, the patient may be told to avoid resuming activity until the pain or other side effects have subsided.
The side effects of a severe concussion can be more severe and can last longer. If a person has a history of concussions or head injuries, they may be more likely to suffer neurological damage, which can lead to long-term memory loss, personality disorders or other psychological conditions triggered by the trauma. Another side effect of a concussion is that it may make it easier to suffer another concussion in the future, which is why many athletes in contact sports are advised to retire after sustaining multiple head injuries.
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