How do I know if I have had a concussion?

There are many things each and every one of us should be educated in like CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, but have you given thought to knowing the signs of a concussion?

Not many people know what to look for, yet any one of us can fall victim to one at any given moment!

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Many times, this is a fall, sport contact, or auto accident. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.

While initially the injury may not specifically cause any pain, if left untreated, it can cause severe damage and long-term side effects including hindering the ability to learn, hear, speak, remember things, balance, and even show emotion.

You may have suffered a concussion if you’ve lost consciousness (even momentarily), or are experiencing different sized pupils, slurred speech, nausea, unusual agitation, convulsions or seizures, headaches, drowsiness or inability to wake up, weakness, dizziness, decreased coordination, and/or vomiting and nausea.

The signs of a concussion vary from individual to individual as not all head traumas will be exactly the same.

If you are exhibiting even 1 symptom after falling or otherwise jolting your head, it’s best to play it safe and seek medical attention immediately.

Functional Neurology plays a huge role in aiding in holistic recovery from conditions including concussions, as the drug-free therapies that have been developed are quite effective in retraining the brain and can be customized for each patient.