According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, more than 500 people are hospitalized every day with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), many of whom are suffering from a concussion. While concussions are considered mild TBIs, they can have life-changing consequences. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have a concussion at the time it happens because they experience delayed symptoms. If you or a loved one has recently suffered a head injury, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention and know what to expect as the condition progresses.
Concussion Symptoms And Causes
Concussions occur when someone takes a hit to the head or body that causes the brain to move back and forth in the skull at a rapid pace. In turn, this can damage brain cells and cause chemical changes. Though concussions are common in sports, they can occur in car crashes and other accidents as well. Concussions are a form of TBI and can cause myriad symptoms that affect your sleep, cognition, personality, emotions, and physical health. These may include:- Headaches
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Difficulty focusing
- Delayed reaction time
- Dizziness
- Trouble balancing
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Fatigue
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Irritability or anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weakness or numbness
- Nausea and vomiting
Can Concussion Symptoms Be Delayed?
Some people don’t experience any symptoms immediately following a concussion. It may take hours or days for an injured person to feel the effects. For example, delayed vomiting after concussions is not an unusual occurrence. When no or only mild symptoms occur after a brain injury, keep monitoring yourself or your loved one for signs of a delayed concussion. Seeking medical attention shortly after the injury can help rule out an immediate concussion.Why Are Concussion Symptoms Often Delayed?
It is possible that the brain immediately goes to work trying to compensate for the damage caused by the injury, which may give it an initial ability to mask concussion symptoms. During this time, secondary injuries like bleeding and swelling occur but may not have an immediate effect. As compensatory mechanisms falter, you may feel more pronounced effects from your injuries. Be aware that the timing of your symptoms can be affected by the extent or severity of your injury and the affected areas of your brain.Expectations For Long-Term Health In Concussion Victims
No one can give you an exact timeframe for when your concussion symptoms will end, as it depends heavily on several factors, including:- The severity of your injury
- Whether you have had previous concussions
- Your individual health status
- How long it takes for you to get medical treatment