A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Anyone of any age can get a concussion, but it’s more common in athletes.
Concussion can range from mild to severe, and symptoms vary depending on the severity. Concussions are usually diagnosed based on symptoms and severity of injury. People often ask how to tell if you have a concussion. While there are some signs and symptoms that may indicate someone has a concussion,
it can only be diagnosed by a medical professional. There are a few different exams and tests that can help diagnose a concussion. Most concussed patients will recover within 3 weeks. If
symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery timeline, the patient will be referred to a neurologist and / or a specialist who treats post-concussive syndrome. When to see a doctor after a head injuryYou should always see your doctor or another medical professional trained to identify concussion symptoms after any type of head injury to assess whether you have a concussion. There are times when you should seek immediate medical attention after a head injury. If you experience any of the following symptoms, either right after your injury or in the days or weeks after it, see your doctor right away.
What to do if your child may have a concussionIf your child has a head injury during an athletic event, you should immediately remove him or her from play – even if it’s just during a practice. Concussions are serious and should never be shrugged off. If your child continues to play after a concussion, it can increase the risk of severe brain injury and even death, and it can make the symptoms worse. You won’t be able to diagnose a concussion yourself, but you should take precautions after any head injury to protect your child – even if it seems minor. This is true whether your child was wearing a helmet or not. Get them to a doctorAnytime a child has a potential head injury or concussion, you should seek an evaluation by a healthcare professional who has expertise in diagnosing concussions. Call your child’s doctor, explain the injury, and ask for next steps. If your child has any of the symptoms listed above, take him or her to the emergency room. Give them time to restIt’s important to have your child rest and recover after a concussion. This is crucial to prevent further damage to the brain. Repeated concussions in children have a cumulative effect, meaning the damage continues to get worse after each concussion. Fortunately, most children who have one concussion will recover completely – but only if they rest and discontinue contact sports for as long as the doctor recommends. Recovery is important because concussions lead to a period of changed brain function. During this time, the brain is more susceptible to being severely or permanently injured. If your child gets a second concussion during the period of altered brain function, the chances of severe injury are much greater. The main thing to remember is that no matter how severe the first concussion is, it’s imperative for you to take your child to a concussion expert and follow that doctor’s recommendations regarding the length of time your child must refrain from participating in sports or other activities that could lead to head injury. Just wearing a helmet isn’t enough. Your child needs to sit the activities out until cleared by the doctor to return. Learn more about caring for a child who has a concussion. Concussion protocolAfter a head injury, even if it seems minor, there are things you should do to check for a concussion. There are also post-concussion care standards you should follow. Every person’s concussion requires an individualized care plan. A concussion protocol isn’t a care plan, but rather, it’s a general guideline about what to do after a head injury to diagnose and care for a concussion. It helps all team members (from patient and family to coaches to healthcare providers) be on the same page about post-concussion care. Who should have a concussion protocol?Any organization that involves people at risk for a concussion should have a concussion protocol. This could be sports teams, health clubs or gyms, work places, hospitals, park districts, summer camps, schools – anywhere children or adults may be at risk for falls, accidents, or head injuries. Who should be involved in the concussion protocol?The people involved in concussion protocols will depend on the setting. For example, a work place probably won’t have an athletic trainer, but a high school, college, or professional sports team probably will. People involved in post-concussion care may include:
What does a concussion protocol involve?There may be laws in your state that guide concussion protocols, but generally, they should include:
Beaumont neurologistsIf you have had a head injury or have been diagnosed with a concussion (or multiple concussions), Beaumont neurologists can help. Our neurology department is staffed with concussion experts who can work with you after your head injury to improve your chances of a good outcome. Beaumont Health’s specialized neurology centers connect you with the specialists you need, in one place, at one time – whether you need a neurological exam or more specialized services. Call 800-633-7377 today to make an appointment to see a Beaumont neurologist. Which assessment does the nurse make first when providing care for a client diagnosed with a closed head injury?Assessment of the head injury patient should include airway, cervical spine protection, breathing, circulation, and haemorrhage control followed by the GCS. The GCS score should be used in the assessment of all patients with head injury by trained healthcare providers.
Which position best describes Decorticate positioning?Decorticate posture is an abnormal posturing in which a person is stiff with bent arms, clenched fists, and legs held out straight. The arms are bent in toward the body and the wrists and fingers are bent and held on the chest. This type of posturing is a sign of severe damage in the brain.
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