Concussions can be debilitating, and without the proper initial treatment, they can last for extended periods. Here’s what you should know about getting treatment for mild concussion, head concussion, or cerebral concussion.
A concussion happens when a person receives a blow to the head via accident or intentional injury. They are frequent side-effects of high-contact sports like football as well as mild car accidents.
Many people do not realize that concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury. When a concussion-causing head impact occurs, it makes the brain and head shake rapidly. Severe impact in the form of a cerebral concussion causes chemical changes in the brain and cell damage in more severe head concussions.
A cerebral concussion patient should have someone else monitor their symptoms directly after the injury. They may sleep under supervision, despite the common misinformation that they must stay awake for 34–48 hours.
Our Towson concussion specialists recommend always seeking medical care in the case of a suspected concussion. However, it is vital to seek care in the event of any of the following symptoms:
All cerebral concussion patients will receive an evaluation by their doctors regarding the circumstances of the event. Your doctor will also test for any changes in vision, strength, balance, coordination, and hearing since your last visit. Then, they will likely conduct medical imaging and cognitive tests. Depending upon the severity of the results, they might refer you to a concussion specialist.
Concussion specialists use targeted therapeutics to treat their patients. At MVS Woundcare and Hyperbarics, this might include HBOT or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This type of therapy increases oxygen within the patient’s bloodstream, which hastens the natural healing process. HBOT is often used to treat other blood circulation issues, including diabetic circulation issues like recurring diabetic ulcers of the foot.
The length of recovery for a head concussion depends on the severity of that concussion. Mild concussions typically take between a week to ten days to fully heal. Neglecting treatment may lengthen this period, so be sure to follow all of your doctor’s orders to ensure the quickest possible recovery time.
A moderate to severe cerebral concussion may take multiple months to treat, as it involves a complete restructuring of daily life to let your brain recover. Longer-lasting concussion symptoms might include recurrent headaches, mild bouts of dizziness, and general fatigue and malaise.
Our Towson wound care specialists understand head concussion symptoms, treatment, and aftercare and are here to help.
If you or a loved one has experienced a mild concussion, cerebral concussion, or any other form of head concussion, please call us at 1 (410) 433-4300.