Warning Signs of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
When you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury, even a relatively mild one, early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in your recovery. It’s important to recognize the early symptoms of a concussion, so you can immediately seek qualified medical care.
The Early Warning Signs of a Concussion
Because a concussion generally involves a bump or blow to the head, one of the first ways your body will respond is with a headache. If the headache persists for more than a couple of hours, though, there’s a good chance you’ve suffered some type of traumatic brain injury. If the TBI is determined to be mild, it will be considered a concussion.
Other symptoms that tend to appear in the minutes and hours immediately after a concussion include:
- Extreme sensitivity to noise or light—If normal sunlight or indoor lighting seems harsh or oppressive, or if voices and other sounds strike you as loud or shrill, that’s typically a reliable indication of a concussion.
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating, particularly on speech or communication with others—This can take a number of forms: an inability to follow a conversation, difficulty verbalizing a response, challenges with remembering recent events, or just a general lack of attention to your surroundings.
- Vertigo, dizziness, or challenges with balance or steadiness
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Changes in your vision, including blurriness or double vision
- General feelings of listlessness or malaise
You can have a concussion without losing consciousness; however, if you do, it’s almost always a sign that you’ve suffered a concussion.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Even a mild concussion can lead to serious medical complications, so you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms above. You can go to a hospital emergency room, an urgent care facility, or your primary care physician. All of those will have the tools and skills to diagnose your condition and either prescribe a regimen of care or refer you to a specialist, if necessary.
Contact Us for Proven Diagnosis and Treatment of a Concussion
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with people who suffer any type of traumatic brain injury, including concussion. We have the tools and experience to fully assess your injuries and either recommend treatment and monitor a regimen of care or refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist or physiatrist. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.
