WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
A concussion is a form of a brain injury, usually caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, face, or jaw. As a result of the injury, brain function changes and the brain works less optimally. A loss of consciousness is not a requirement for diagnosing a concussion. In reality, less than 20% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
A concussion produces a wide variety of symptoms and individual responses. In addition, the appearance of symptoms may vary from several minutes to hours after the initial injury.
Common symptoms include:
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Headache
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Dizziness
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Neck Pain
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Loss of balance
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Poor concentration and coordination
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Feeling "foggy"
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Confusion
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Blurred or double vision
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Ringing in ears
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Vacant stare
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Fatigue
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Nausea or vomiting
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Poor memory
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Difficulty falling asleep
Due to the variability of a concussion’s appearance, a general rule to follow is if the incident involves at least one symptom and a potential head injury, then a concussion assessment by a medical doctor would be recommended. After a medical evaluation by a physician, subsequent assessments can be carried out at KW Health Connection.
For more information about concussions and concussion management, feel free to contact KW Health Connection or visit www.shiftconcussion.ca