Recognizing the Warning Symptoms of a Serious Bump to the Head
We all have experienced a significant bump to the head, whether in a recreational sports event, on the job, in a motor vehicle accident, or just doing something around the house. Often, you notice a big lump or maybe even a cut, but you shake it off and go about your business. But how do you know when it’s serious enough to seek medical attention? How long do you wait? Let’s review some of the warning signs and symptoms you might experience.
Concussion are a very common, mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). More than 4,000 people in the United States suffer from a concussion every day. Among the most common physical reactions to a concussion are:
- Persistent headaches—You can expect your head to hurt after a blow or bump, but if the headache doesn’t go away with pain medication after a few hours, you should seek medical attention.
- Nausea or vomiting—Provided there’s no other obvious cause—activity-induced vertigo or bad food, for example—nausea or vomiting is one of the clearer signs that you may have a concussion.
- Confusion, dizziness, clumsiness, balance issues, or slurred speech—In the immediate aftermath of a significant blow to the head, these responses are not unusual. If they remain longer than a couple of hours, you should seek immediate medical care.
- Increased sensitivity to light or noise—This usually results from inflammation in your brain caused by bruising.
- Behavior or personality changes
- Memory loss or problems focusing or concentrating
- Ringing in the ears
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer a concussion or other type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). 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.