How Concussions are Underdiagnosed Amid Head Injury Awareness by Dr John Manzella


 

Concussions are generally caused by a blow to the head and can cause brain swelling, which can lead to other complications, including second-impact syndrome states Dr John Manzella. While concussions are more common than you might think—an estimated 1.6 million people in the United States alone get them each year—many people don't realize they've suffered one until days or weeks after they've happened. This is because symptoms of a concussion (which include headaches and dizziness) don't always appear right away. It's important to see a doctor if you think you or someone else has had a concussion so it can be diagnosed properly and treated accordingly.

Medical experts are concerned that concussions are still underdiagnosed even amid increased awareness and concern.

“Concussions are a public health issue,” says Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation. “If these injuries were happening in other parts of our lives, there would be a lot more awareness and concern about it.”

Nowinski points to the NFL's concussion protocol as an example of how progress can be made when organizations take concussions seriously: “The way they're handling concussions now is a marked improvement over where they were 10 years ago. When people look back on this era in football, they will think 'that was ancient history,' but at the time no one knew what they know now."

Undiagnosed concussions increase the risk of complications, including the very serious second-impact syndrome.

Second-impact syndrome can occur when a person is hit again before her brain has recovered from the first.

Unlike other concussions, the symptoms of second-impact syndrome are rapid and severe. Symptoms include:

●     Coma or unconsciousness for more than 24 hours

●     Increased intracranial pressure (pressure in the skull) that worsens over time

Doctors have new guidelines for concussion management in children and adults.

The new guidelines are the first to specify that the combination of concussion symptoms, such as headaches and dizziness, warrants a trip to the doctor's office.

The guidelines also recommend that children and teenagers diagnosed with concussions should avoid vigorous exercise and sports until their symptoms clear up, as well as some schoolwork until they've fully recovered.

For adults, doctors are urged not to return patients who have had concussions back into stressful situations too soon.

Concussions are serious head injuries and should be evaluated by a health care professional as soon as possible after a blow to the head.

Concussions are serious head injuries that should be evaluated by a health care professional as soon as possible after a blow to the head. Concussions can occur in any sport or recreational activity, including contact and noncontact sports, such as football and hockey; falls; and car accidents.

Concussions can cause symptoms such as:

●     Dizziness or feeling lightheaded

●     Headache or pressure in your head

●     Nausea or vomiting

Conclusion

Concussions are serious head injuries, and they have the potential to cause lifelong problems. Because they can be difficult to diagnose and treat, it’s crucial that you get medical attention as soon as possible after any blow to your head. If you or a loved one suffers from concussion symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or dizziness, seek medical attention right away.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Prevention Strategies for Concussions: Helmets, Mouthguards, and Other Protective Gear

Image
  Introduction Concussions have become a hot topic in many sports, from the NFL to soccer and hockey. There’s been a lot of discussion about how to prevent concussions and how to treat them. This article will cover what concussions are, why they happen, and what can be done to prevent them. Helmets Helmets are not a substitute for common sense. They are only effective if they fit correctly and are used correctly. Helmets can also be dangerous if they're worn incorrectly or with the wrong headgear or equipment. Mouthguards Mouthguards are not just for boxers. They can protect your teeth and jaw from injuries, which can occur when you fall or get hit in the face. Mouthguards come in different styles and materials, so it's important to find one that works for you. Some mouthguards are custom-fitted by dentists and orthodontists; others come pre-formed from sporting goods stores or pharmacies. Shoulder Pads Shoulder pads are another piece of protective gear that can
Read more

Treatment of Concussions and Future Medicine

Image
      Introduction Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when a sudden force causes the brain to move back and forth or twist within the skull. This can result in damage to nerve cells, which may lead to many problems including permanent loss of consciousness Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when a sudden force causes the brain to move back and forth or twist within the skull. This can result in damage to nerve cells, which may lead to many problems including permanent loss of consciousness. HITT HITT is a new treatment for concussions. It involves injecting drugs into your bloodstream that can help reduce the symptoms of a concussion, including headaches and dizziness. HITT could be used in the future to treat people who have suffered from a concussion, but it is still being test
Read more