What to Look for after Any Type of Blow to the Head
You’ve bumped your head in an accident. Maybe you were in a motor vehicle collision, of maybe you slipped and fell, hitting your head on some stationary object. In some situations, it may be clear that you’ve suffered some type of injury, requiring immediate medical attention. But what if the blow seemed minor or inconsequential. You didn’t lose consciousness and you don’t feel dizzy. You don’t have a headache, which seems as if it should be a prerequisite to a concussion. Are you in the clear? Should you seek medical attention? What symptoms should you look for over the next few hours, days and weeks?
How Soon Should You Expect to Experience Symptoms?
You may already understand that, with head injuries such as concussions, it can take some time for symptoms to appear. But how long should you wait before seeking medical attention? Is there any benefit to getting checked out by a medical professional, even if you’re not experiencing clear symptoms?
As with just about anything related to your health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, to seek medical attention when you don’t need it, instead of ignoring it when you do. Furthermore, your doctor or another medical professional will typically have tools to more quickly diagnose a concussion or traumatic brain injury. You can expect your physician to conduct a thorough examination and either prescribe a treatment regimen or refer you to a specialist, such as a physiatrist or neurologist.
What Symptoms Can You Expect?
There are many potential indicators of a concussion, some of which the victim may notice and others that will be observed by third parties.
The common conditions a victim may report include:
- Persistent headaches or a feeling of pressure in your skull
- Uncharacteristic sensitivity to noise or light
- Balance or stability issues
- Extreme fatigue or insomnia
- Nausea or vomiting
As a concussion progresses, you may also experience challenges with memory, concentration or thought processing.
A third party may observe some of the following:
- Mood or behavior changes
- Delayed response to questions or comments
- Uncharacteristically clumsy or awkward movement
- Loss of focus or sense of place
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. 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.
