What Most People Don’t Know about Head Injuries
There’s a lot of misinformation, rumor and just plain inaccurate perceptions in our culture about concussions—what they are, how they can be diagnosed, what causes them and more. Let’s set the record straight on a number of the common myths about concussions:
- Myth: A concussion only has physical effects or repercussions
- Reality: A concussion will typically have far-ranging consequences, affecting your emotional, psychological, cognitive and physical well-being
- Myth: Concussions are almost exclusively caused by contact sports
- Reality: Falls are actually the single most common factor leading to a concussion, involved in more than one in every three concussions overall and over 60% of concussions in older adults
- Myth: A concussion can easily be diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT (computed tomography) scan technology
- Reality: An MRI or CT scan alone will not confirm that you’ve suffered a concussion. Your doctor will also need to evaluate your symptoms and conduct a neurological exam.
- Myth: You must lose consciousness to suffer a concussion
- Reality: The vast majority of concussions (about 95%) do not involve the loss of consciousness
- Myth: Most head injuries are insignificant—if you just “got your bell rung,” you can go back into the game or to doing whatever you were doing
- Reality: Any type of bump or blow to the head can have serious consequences. Your risk of serious injury increases dramatically if you subject yourself to another potential head trauma.
- Myth: The right equipment can prevent a concussion
- Reality: Helmets and head gear may prevent cuts and bruises, but may be ineffective against the possibility of a concussion. In fact, you can suffer a concussion without any impact to your head, such as when you experience whiplash or a violent snapping of your head. Your brain may bounce off the inside of your skull, causing a concussion.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.
