What Happens If You Play Sports with A Concussion?
What Is a Concussion?
It is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens when the brain experiences a sudden impact and collides with the skull. It is most commonly a result of a blow to the head or body, a fall, or any other event that causes the brain to move forcefully within the skull. Concussions can be mild or severe, generally affecting the brain’s normal functioning, resulting in various physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.
Symptoms of A Concussion
One quick way to know you may need Concussion therapy in Calgary is by considering the symptoms you are experiencing. The most common ones linked to concussions include:
- Headache and pressure in the head
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Unexplained fatigue
- Confusion and feeling dazed
- Memory problems or difficulty concentrating
- Heightened sensitivity to light and/or noise
- Sleep disturbances – can look like insomnia or excessive sleepiness
- Sudden mood changes, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Visual disturbances, like blurred vision or seeing stars
Even then, note that symptoms vary from person to person. Besides, the symptoms may not always be immediately apparent. For example, only after concussion vision problems treatment at Premier Eye Care – Seton may you notice symptoms regarding visual disturbances that may take hours or even days to appear.
Should I Keep Playing with A Concussion?
Unfortunately, many patients have continued playing sports after Concussions. While some may dismiss the role of a Seton optometrist for handling such matters, some are unaware. Sometimes the symptoms of a concussion can manifest many hours or days after the initial injury. Therefore, you must prioritize treatment immediately after an injury.
Besides, repeated concussions without sufficient recovery time between them can increase the risk of more severe and long-lasting symptoms. Such patients even experience other severe complications over time. Therefore, if you care about maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of long-term consequences, consider concussion therapy as soon as the injury occurs.
Afterward, you can resume normal activities, including work, school, and physical exercise. However, do it gradually and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Following the recommended recovery protocol will reduce complications and ensure a safe return to regular activities.
Importance of Concussion Therapy
Concussion therapy is a crucial part of healing and recovery after an injury. Patients who skip treatment and continue to do everyday activities are prone to various brain-related complications that arise with time. Some of the reasons that concussion therapy should be your priority after bringing related injuries are:
- Proper assessment and diagnosis: Concussion therapy involves a comprehensive exam to uncover the severity of the concussion, identify specific symptoms, and rule out any other potential underlying conditions. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to guide appropriate treatment and ensure you achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Individualized treatment plan: Each concussion is unique, depending on the severity and type of injury. Further, the symptoms and recovery process will vary from person to person. Concussion therapy involves developing an individualized treatment plan based on the unique needs and symptoms of the patients. The plan often includes physical, cognitive, and emotional interventions tailored to your condition to promote a quick, seamless, and effective recovery.
- Symptom management: Concussion therapy addresses the wide range of symptoms associated with concussions. The medical expert then employs targeted interventions, such as rest, relaxation techniques, vestibular therapy (balance training), visual exercises, and cognitive rehabilitation, to alleviate the identified symptoms and improve daily functioning.
- Gradual return to activity: Concussion therapy guides you through a step-by-step process of returning to normal activities. This gradual protocol ensures that your brain has adequate time to heal and recover while minimizing the risk of further injury and setbacks.
- Education and self-management strategies: Concussion therapy equips you with knowledge about concussions, particularly regarding recovery. Such education about proper rest, activity modification, stress management, and self-care strategy empowers you to participate in your recovery by following all the necessary protocols. This can significantly contribute to a successful recovery.