What to Do When You Have a Concussion
Red Flag Signs and 6 Myths about Concussion Treatment
As many as 20% of estimated high school student athletes who play contact sports will suffer a concussion each year.
Concussions are a common type of traumatic brain injury, often resulting from a blow to the head or sudden jolt to the body that causes the head and, specifically, the brain to move rapidly back and forth. While concussions may not be life threatening on their own, the effects of a concussion can be serious and present life-changing problems for many. This sudden movement (or series of movements) causes the brain to bounce around or twist within the skull and creates chemical changes in the brain, damaging brain cells in the process.
While it’s true that many individuals recover within a week or two, Post-Concussion Syndrome occurs when these symptoms last longer than expected after an injury. It is estimated 10-25% of patients experience these concussion symptoms that do not resolve on their own. If you've experienced a concussion and are struggling to see improvements, it's essential to consider seeking medical attention for proper management.
It’s important to note that each concussion is unique, but here are several things to look out for if you – or someone you know, love or coach – has experienced a concussion.
Red Flag Concussion Signs that Require Immediate Medical Attention
Decreasing Level of Consciousness: Any decline in consciousness levels requires urgent medical assessment.
Increasing Confusion: Persistent confusion or disorientation warrants prompt evaluation.
Numbness in Arms or Legs: Any sensation of numbness in the arms or legs should not be ignored and is a sign of brain damage, nerve damage, or other factors.
Unequal Pupil Size: A noticeable difference in pupil size can indicate a serious issue.
Repeated Vomiting: Persistent vomiting post-concussion is a sign that the brain’s normal function has been disrupted and is one of the most common signs of a concussion.
Seizures: Any seizure activity after a head injury should be treated as an emergency.
Speech Impairment: Various types of aphasia, including slurred speech or difficulty speaking, occurs when the frontal lobes have been impacted.
Disorientation: Inability to recognize familiar people or places.
While more awareness and safety protocols have been put in place over the last several years, concussions remain an ‘invisible’ injury to so many who suffer from the pain, symptoms and uncertainty surrounding Post-Concussion Syndrome. An estimated 1.7-3.8 million traumatic brain injuries occur each year in the United States, according to the CDC, and about 20% of high school student-athletes who play contact sports will get a concussion each year.
With staggering numbers such as those, it is important to help identify and understand treatment options and common misconceptions about concussions. Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) can be elusive and present a complex array of symptoms that vary in intensity and duration from person to person and Moore MyoWorx has been dedicated to understanding and treating the unique challenges of each person affected by PCS for over 35 years.
There are several myths associated with long-term concussion care. We are revolutionizing concussion care and treatment, shown here at our Denver location. Learn more about the chronic symptoms and conditions we treat, including concussions.
Myths about Concussion Treatment: Separating Fact from Fiction
Myth 1: Avoid Sleep After a Concussion
Fact: Adequate sleep is crucial for brain recovery post-concussion. Quality rest supports healing processes.
Myth 2: Avoid Exercise Completely
Fact: Light exercise as early as 3-5 days post-concussion, under guidance, can actually aid recovery, improve sleep quality, and enhance mental well-being. Monitor symptoms and if symptoms worsen, stop the activity.
Myth 3: Concussions Only Result from Direct Head Blows
Fact: Concussions can occur from various impacts, including whiplash or sudden jolts that affect the brain.
Myth 4: Symptoms Always Manifest Immediately
Fact: Some concussions have a delayed onset and may take up to a day to present. Just because you don’t have symptoms right away, doesn’t mean you don’t have a concussion.
Myth 5: Loss of Consciousness is Required for Diagnosis
Fact: Loss of consciousness is not a prerequisite for a concussion diagnosis. Loss of consciousness actually only happens in a minority of cases.
Myth 6: Avoid All Pain Medications
Fact: While ibuprofen should be avoided due to its blood-thinning properties, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe for managing pain during concussion recovery.
By dispelling myths and embracing evidence-based approaches, individuals can better manage concussions and facilitate a smoother recovery journey. Remember, seeking medical advice is crucial, especially if you encounter any red flag symptoms or concerns regarding your condition.
A leader in concussion care for decades, Moore MyoWorx is proud to have just opened our first United States facility in Centennial, Colorado in 2023. We exist to restore hope to you and your loved ones struggling with Post-Concussion Syndrome and other chronic conditions through our innovative care, research and treatment programs that have had an 89% positive response rate with our patients such as Andrea who said, “I’ve been searching for relief from long term post concussion syndrome for over a year now. There has been little to no help through conventional treatment. Finding Moore Myoworx has truly saved my life.”
Our concussion treatment is the only approach that alleviates all four categories of concussion symptoms: Cognitive, Physical, Emotional and Sleep.
If you have suffered from the physical and mental pain of concussion symptoms, we’re here to help you get your life back. Contact our team today and we can begin your recovery together.
Above: Natalie shares her success story after suffering a debilitating concussion on the soccer field. See more success stories from Moore MyoWorx.
Moore MyoWorx exists to restore hope to you and your loved ones struggling with Post-Concussion Syndrome and other chronic conditions.
Learn about the conditions we specialize in and more about our history and 35+ years of patient successes. Schedule a free introductory session with our Denver clinic today by calling us at (720) 663-9331 or by contacting us here.