Concussion Awareness

For the final week of Brain Injury Awareness Month, I wanted to highlight Concussion.

A concussion is a mild form of a traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It occurs when a blow or jarring motion to the head causes the brain to quickly move back and forth within the skull, resulting in neurochemical and cellular changes in the brain.

Did you know, nearly 9 in 10 Americans cannot correctly define a concussion? 79% incorrectly believe that there is no real way to cure a concussion.

Concussion symptoms can appear immediately or within the first two days and can include:

Anxiety, depression, and other mood changes
Confusion
Difficulty concentrating and paying attention
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache anAnxiety, depression, and other mood changes
Confusion
Difficulty concentrating and paying attention
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache and/or migraines
Sensitivity to light
Loss of consciousness
Nausea
Neck pain or std/or migraines
Sensitivity to light
Loss of consciousness
Nausea
Neck pain or stiffness
Sensitivity to noise
Personality changes
Irritability
More emotional
Sleeping too much or too little
Vision changes and other problems with the eyes
Balance issues
Ringing in the ears

The majority of concussions resolve symptoms in the first few weeks. However, in some instances symptoms can become persistent.

Proper clinical management is the best way to facilitate recovery and decrease the risk of long-term effects.

As a brain injury survivor, a care partner, or healthcare provider, we often forget how many people are unaware of the signs and do not know when to seek treatment.

Talk with your friends, your family, and your community about concussions. Reach out to experts in the field and seek answers for yourself, your loved ones, or your clients to find great resources in your area.

While this was just an introduction to spread awareness about recognizing concussion symptoms, I hope to share more valuable tips and resources to better manage concussion, and other neurologic injuries and symptoms soon.

Stay tuned!

The Beyond Brain mission is to educate and empower individuals with neurologic conditions and their care partners who feel overwhelmed and exhausted to find balance and rejuvenation to lead a rewarding life.