According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year somewhere between 1.6 million and 3.8 million people experience a sport-related concussion. While this number is staggeringly high, many estimate that the number is actually much higher due to the fact that people often fail to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and consequently do not seek treatment.
Concussions are serious injuries and require Brampton head injury rehabilitation to provide the best chance for a full recovery. Often these injuries occur during contact sports, but a person can sustain a concussion in a myriad of ways while playing sports. When a person experiences some type of head trauma, whether from falling down or being hit in the head by a blunt object, his or her brain can swell. Because skulls do not have any give to them, this swelling can be quite dangerous.
A person may suffer a number of different symptoms following such an incident. These may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue and short-term memory failure. It is important to pay very close attention to a person who has experience a sports-related symptom because these symptoms do not present immediately. In fact, often a person will initially think he or she is fine. As a person’s brain swells following the trauma, he or she may then begin to experience symptoms of concussion. These symptoms can be extremely serious and, if not treated, may cause permanent injury or even death.
Following such an event, it is important to immediately seek Brampton head injury rehabilitation. Early detection and treatment will reduce the risks of further complications. The baseline assessments to identify concussions include a cognitive test, neuropsychological test and Post-Concussion Symptoms Scale. Often these tests are administered on site, such as at a stadium or sports field. Thereafter a person may be monitored to test for worsening neurological symptoms, including sensory changes.
If a person does show symptoms of concussion, he or she should be transported to a medical facility in Brampton for head injury rehabilitation. This may include simple monitoring until symptoms improve or more aggressive therapies in the event of a serious injury. Each situation is different and treatment varies as a result.
The most important thing to remember is that concussions are a serious and often under-reported injury. When a person is not treated for this head trauma, he or she may suffer from permanent head injuries and is even at risk for slipping into a coma or dying. A head-related injury should not be ignored. Instead, seek immediate assistance in Brampton for head injury rehabilitation.
Even if you are uncertain the extent of an injury, remember that it is better to be safe than sorry. Seek out a qualified expert at a sports medicine clinic if you or a loved one has been injured in a sports incident. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic by calling 905-455-4488 today.