Understanding Concussions: The Impact of Minor Blows on Brain Health

A concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury, results from a blow to the head or body—or even from rapid acceleration and deceleration—that causes the brain to shift or jar within the skull, disrupting normal function. Notably, such injuries do not require a severe impact; even minor jolts can precipitate symptoms, as illustrated by experiences shared by our clients. For instance, a young girl sustained a concussion when a volleyball struck her head while she walked across a gymnasium floor. Similarly, a middle-aged mother developed post-concussion symptoms following a low-impact rear-end collision in her vehicle. A young boy incurred one after landing awkwardly during a trampoline jump, and a construction worker in his twenties suffered the effects when an unnoticed swinging truss grazed him on-site. These accounts underscore that concussions can arise from everyday activities or accidents, often unexpectedly. Symptoms may vary in severity and can manifest immediately or emerge hours to days, weeks, or even months later. The following list delineates the 10 most commonly reported symptoms, derived from experience and  medical sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Mayo Clinic. Each is accompanied by a brief description, focusing on its presentation and potential implications. It is essential to seek immediate medical evaluation if any symptoms occur, particularly danger signs like a worsening headache or repeated vomiting.

Understanding Concussions and their Symptoms

1. Headache: A persistent or worsening pain in the head, often described as throbbing or pressure-like, which may intensify with activity. This is one of the most frequent initial symptoms.

2. Nausea or Vomiting: Feelings of queasiness or actual expulsion of stomach contents, typically occurring soon after the injury. Repeated episodes warrant urgent attention as they may indicate a more severe injury.

3. Dizziness or Balance Problems: A sensation of lightheadedness, vertigo, or unsteadiness, which can impair coordination and increase fall risk during recovery.

4. Confusion or Feeling Foggy: Mental disorientation, slowed thinking, or a "cloudy" sensation, making it difficult to process information or respond to questions promptly.

5. Sensitivity to Light or Noise: Heightened discomfort or aversion to bright lights (photophobia) or loud sounds, which can exacerbate headache and contribute to sensory overload.

6. Fatigue or Feeling Tired: Profound exhaustion or lack of energy, even after rest, which may persist and affect daily functioning during the recovery period.

7. Vision Problems: Blurred, double, or sensitive vision, or difficulty focusing, potentially stemming from disrupted neural signals in the visual pathways.

8. Trouble Concentrating: Difficulty sustaining attention or performing tasks requiring focus, such as reading or problem-solving, often linked to cognitive processing delays.

9. Memory Problems: Short-term amnesia regarding the injury event or recent occurrences, or challenges recalling information, which can resolve with time but may require monitoring.

10. Loss of Consciousness: Brief unconsciousness or "blackout" immediately following the impact, though not all concussions involve this; its presence indicates a higher severity level.

Recovery typically spans days to weeks, but if untreated can last years.  At Harmonized Brain Centers we transform unfocused, chaotic and under performing brains into harmonized brains that reach their full potential even when a  concussion has occurred.   We use proven, drug-free, safe and effective care - no matter your age.

With a decade of experience and over 140,000 successful sessions, our clients have overcome many obstacles and challenges while achieving their best brain ever.

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