A concussion occurs when a large amount of force is applied to a person’s body and/or head. This linear or rotational force causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. As a result, there is a short-term change in the metabolic functioning of the brain, which is why concussions are classified as brain injuries.

Most people are familiar with concussions due to sports injuries, however, there are also other events that can cause a concussion. Examples include car accidents, assaults, and falls.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury, include:

  • Headache
  • Visual issues such as blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Brain fog or forgetfulness
  • Irritability or increased emotionality
  • Nausea
  • Clumsiness

A person does not need to lose consciousness for a concussion to have occurred. A concussion is often referred to as a ‘mild traumatic brain injury’ or mTBI. While the term ‘mild’ indicates that concussions are not life-threatening, seeking medical care is the appropriate choice if you or someone you know suspects they’ve experienced a concussion as early detection and treatment of concussion has been shown to shorten the recovery time and improve patient outcomes for this treatable injury.

Other types of traumatic brain injuries include moderate and severe. Brain injuries fall under these categories when loss of consciousness has occurred for up to or more than 24 hours, neuroimaging shows evidence of brain trauma, or there are signs of brain trauma.

Signs and symptoms* of more severe traumatic brain injury include:

  • Repeated vomiting
  • Slurred speech
  • One pupil larger than the other
  • Seizures
  • Drowsiness or the inability to wake up
  • Numbness, weakness, and/or poor coordination

*Please seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur.

The concussion rehabilitation team at Sheltering Arms Institute is trained and skilled in treating individuals with concussions. To schedule an appointment with one of our concussion experts, please visit https://shelteringarmsinstitute.com/contact-us/ or call (804) 764-1000.

Sheltering Arms Institute also provides both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. To learn more about our traumatic brain injury program, please visit https://shelteringarmsinstitute.com/conditions-and-services/brain-injury-rehabilitation/.

References

Brain Injury Association of America (2023, February 19). Concussion Information. https://www.biausa.org/brain-injury/about-brain-injury/concussion-mtbi/concussion-information

CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023, February 19). Brain injury basics. https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_whatis.html

Kamins J, Giza CC. Concussion-Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Recoverable Injury with Potential for Serious Sequelae. Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2016 Oct;27(4):441-52. doi: 10.1016/j.nec.2016.05.005. PMID: 27637394; PMCID: PMC5899515

 

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Backpack Safety

Backpacks are a convenient way for students to carry around their schoolbooks and supplies throughout the day, but using them incorrectly can lead to serious muscle and joint injuries. Carrying a heavy load can strain the shoulders, back, and neck. As a result, the body tries to compensate by leaning forward or sideways, which can lead to misalignment of the spine and weakening of muscles.

Managing and Preventing Incontinence with Physical Therapy

More than 25 million adult Americans suffer from incontinence. Men and women are often embarrassed to seek treatment for loss of bladder or bowel control. Urinary and fecal incontinence can cause low self-esteem, create social isolation, and impair quality of life. Incontinence is the lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation. There are two major types of incontinence and they are treated differently.

Reduce Pain With These 5 Exercises for Knee Osteoarthritis

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, approximately 14 million people in the United States have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Over time, the cartilage on the bones that form our knees begins to wear away; this causes inflammation, which we refer to as osteoarthritis. As the disease progresses, it can affect surrounding muscle, tendon, and ligaments, therefore, contributing to significant pain and dysfunction.

Occupational Therapy Interventions for Spinal Cord Injury: Innovative Upper Extremity Weight-Bearing Recovery

When you think of body weight support systems in physical rehab, walking probably comes to mind first. But did you know this technology can also transform arm, shoulder, and core recovery after a spinal cord injury? This high-intensity training helps build upper body strength, manage spasticity, improve posture, and boost overall endurance! Learn how we use advanced body weight support technology at Sheltering Arms Institute to help patients safely practice arm weight-bearing and how innovative technology is changing SCI therapy.

How Speech Therapy Can Help Your Cognition

After a stroke or brain injury, everyday thinking skills like memory, attention, and planning can feel overwhelming. Because these skills directly support how we communicate, SLPs use targeted strategies to help patients regain confidence and daily independence. Learn how cognitive-communication therapy can help.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.