If you have one concussion, you’re five times more likely to sustain a second one, which is a serious concern because multiple concussions can lead to brain damage. No matter what caused your concussion, it’s important to protect your health with a thorough exam by Amor Mehta, MD, and the team at the Neurology Center for Epilepsy and Seizures in Marlboro Township, New Jersey. They have years of experience diagnosing concussions and developing individualized treatments that support full recovery. If you have a head injury, call the office or book an appointment online.
Concussion Q&A
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when a forceful impact makes the brain move and collide with your skull. Though concussions are usually caused by a direct blow to your head, an impact sustained elsewhere on your body can create a whiplash effect that results in a concussion.
The trauma that occurs during a concussion damages nerves and bruises your brain, resulting in a change in brain function.
Concussion symptoms can be mild or delayed, making it easy to underestimate your injury and continue with your normal activities. But even if you only have subtle symptoms, your brain suffers damage.
You may lose consciousness, but most people don’t. Instead, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Confusion
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Blurry vision or light sensitivity
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of smell or taste
Your sleeping habits may change. You could find that you have a hard time falling asleep or you may sleep more or less than normal. Some patients also become irritable or moody.
The primary treatment for a concussion is rest. Your brain needs time to heal, which means limiting your mental and physical activity.
In addition to taking a break from sports or other rigorous activities, you may need to avoid tasks that require mental concentration, such as using a computer and playing video games. You may also need to reduce your workload or take a few days off.
When your brain has healed, your provider helps you work out a plan for gradually getting back to your normal activities. You learn about the steps you can take to prevent a second brain injury from occurring during your recovery.
Your brain is more susceptible to damage while it’s still healing. Having a second concussion soon after the first one increases your risk of brain swelling and damage.