Knowing When a Bump or Blow to the Head Might Be Serious
If you live an active life, you’re going to occasionally bang your head on something. It might be in a weekend pickup game or a minor fender-bender. It could be as simple as not watching where you’re going and taking a tumble. If you’re like most people, you get back up and keep moving. That may or may not be in your best interests. Often, even a seemingly minor bump or blow to the head can cause a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), also known as a concussion.
When a Minor Bump to the Head Can Have Major Consequences
It’s important to understand that the symptoms of a mild TBI can vary from person to person. Some of the side effects will be evident almost immediately, but others can take days, weeks, or even months to appear. In addition, symptoms may change over time. Nonetheless, the common indications of a mild TBI include:
- Physical changes
- Headaches that persist for more than a few hours
- Vomiting or nausea that lasts for days or weeks
- An increased sensitivity to sound, light, or smell
- Vertigo, weakness in your legs, or balance issues
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Interference with sleep patterns
- Excessive fatigue or a desire to sleep more than normal
- Challenges with falling or staying asleep
- Emotional changes
- Uncharacteristic mood swings
- Depression, anxiety, or nervousness
- Testiness or combativeness
- Cognitive problems
- Long- or short-term memory loss
- Lack of focus or attention
- Difficulty processing speech or thought
- An inability to solve simple problems
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
It’s best, when you’ve had any type of bump or blow to the head, to seek medical care as soon as possible, whether at a hospital emergency room, an urgent care facility, or your primary care physician’s office. If you develop any of the following symptoms, you should immediately seek medical attention:
- Your headache gets worse or persists for more than a day.
- You experience repeated vomiting.
- One of your pupils appears to be larger than the other.
- You have difficulty recognizing common places, people, or things.
- You feel excessive fatigue.
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 or other 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.
