Concussion doesn’t always show up immediately following a traumatic head injury. It’s common to hear stories of people sustaining major head injuries, such as in car, bicycle, or motorcycle accidents, and walking away or insisting they don’t need help, only to collapse later.
Part of this phenomenon is caused by the fight or flight response. After an accident, our system is flooded with adrenaline, which keeps us from feeling the full effect of an injury. But the other part of it is that concussion can take hours or days to manifest fully.
In fact, you don’t have to sustain an obvious blow to the head or lose consciousness to experience a concussion injury. Concussion occurs when the head is jolted so hard that the brain moves inside the fluid that protects it, and bumps up against the inside of the skull. It generally hits where the blow occurred and then on the opposite side as well.
This jostling in the skull prompts a sort of “reset” in the brain. That’s why concussion symptoms cover such a wide array of behavior. Everything the brain controls: thought, emotions, sleep, and the body—is affected by concussion as the brain attempts to reset. That’s also why many concussion symptoms are delayed.
Some physical symptoms are common, such as headache and nausea. But patients also report delayed symptoms such as trouble with sleeping, focusing, appetite, and keeping their mood in check. The best way to recover is to see a medical professional, and rest. You may have to rest for up to four weeks for the symptoms of concussion to pass.
In order to provide the best concussion care, we need to see patients within 24 hours of an accident if possible. Elevate Health Clinics has its primary location in Dallas across from Baylor Downtown for your convenience, as well as a trusted network of providers to help you get the care you need. From chiropractors, orthopedics, and pain management specialists, to finding an attorney to help bring your accident claim, we can help you get all your accident needs managed so that you can focus on what’s most important: your recovery. Make an appointment today by calling 855-435-3828, or email us at info@elevateclinics.com.
This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, consult with a health care provider.