By Erin Hagan
Read Time: 3 mins.
Concussions are a silent epidemic with lasting effects, yet many are overlooked and untreated. In fact, up to 50% of concussions are never reported. While often linked to high-risk activities like sports, falls, and car accidents, concussions can happen anytime, anywhere.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month—a crucial time to shed light on the importance of recognizing, reporting, and properly managing concussions for long-term health.
Dynarex provides a full line of mobility products, including Canes, Walkers, and Rollators, to help lend balance and support to patients as they recover.
What Happens During a Concussion?
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a sudden jolt, blow, or impact to the head or body causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This rapid movement forces the brain to shift within the skull, triggering chemical changes and potential cell damage.
Symptoms vary in severity and duration, making concussions easy to overlook. In addition to headaches and dizziness, symptoms include difficulty sleeping, irritability, and cognitive challenges. Concussions can also interfere with balance, and even mobility. While most recover within two weeks, some individuals experience symptoms that persist for months or even years.
Not a No-Brainer: Concussion Realities
Concussions are more complicated than most people realize. Understanding the facts can make a big difference in prevention and recovery. Here are a few things you might not know:
- Concussions can disrupt balance – Damage to the vestibular system, which involves the inner ear and brain regions that detect head movement, can impair balance. During recovery, mobility devices like canes and walkers are often recommended.
- Loss of consciousness isn’t required for a concussion – Only 5-10% of concussions result in unconsciousness, with most individuals staying conscious during the incident.
- Imaging tests don’t detect concussions – CT scans and MRIs typically can’t identify the brain changes caused by a concussion. Diagnosis relies on reported symptoms.
- Long-term effects are possible – If untreated, concussions can lead to post-concussion syndrome (PCS), causing lingering issues like light sensitivity, personality changes, and concentration problems. Around 15% of concussed individuals experience PCS, though experts believe this is likely an underestimation.
The Path to Recovery
With these potentially long-term effects in mind, Early detection plays a huge role in recovery. Seeking medical attention at the first sign of a concussion can lower the risk of complications and support healing.
From expert care to innovative recovery solutions, there are many options aimed at easing symptoms and improving outcomes:
- Concussion Specialists: Neurologists, neuropsychologists, and rehabilitation experts offer tailored care to assess, diagnose, and manage symptoms, offering a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Therapies and Mobility Support: Physical, occupational, and vestibular therapies (for dizziness and vertigo) support motor coordination, daily activities, and balance. Mobility aids such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs assist with movement and stability, especially for individuals with more severe symptoms.
- Emerging Treatments: Wearable neurostimulation devices and therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) are being explored for their potential to alleviate symptoms and enhance brain circulation, speeding up the healing process.
A well-rounded recovery plan, combining medical expertise, therapeutic support, and advanced treatments, can help individuals regain function, improve quality of life, and return to their daily activities with confidence.
Keep Your Head in the Game
A concussion is more than just a bump on the head—it’s a complex brain injury that requires attention, awareness, and proper care. Recognizing the signs, seeking prompt medical support, and utilizing the right recovery tools can make all the difference.
This Brain Injury Awareness Month, let’s continue the conversation—because when it comes to brain health, every step toward understanding is a step toward better recovery.
