In recent years, the medical field has observed a significant increase in the number of diagnosed concussions, presenting new challenges and considerations for parents, athletes, and healthcare providers alike. This surge not only highlights advancements in diagnostic capabilities but also underscores the necessity for heightened awareness and understanding of concussion management and prevention.
Understanding Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can lead to chemical changes in the brain and sometimes even stretching and damaging brain cells. Concussions are serious medical conditions that demand prompt attention and care.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a concussion is crucial. They can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, amnesia about the event, nausea, and more. Symptoms can be immediate or may be delayed in onset, complicating diagnosis and treatment plans.
The Rise in Concussion Diagnoses
Statistics indicate a steady climb in concussion diagnoses over the past decade. This uptick can be attributed to several factors, including increased awareness among the public and within sports communities, as well as improvements in professional imaging and diagnostic technologies and methods. Today, more people are knowledgeable about the risks of concussions and more inclined to seek medical advice following head injuries, leading to higher reporting and diagnosis rates.
Concussions can have significant long-term effects on brain health, especially in young athletes and active children whose brains are still developing. For this group, repeated injuries raise the risk of serious neurological conditions later in life. It’s crucial for parents, coaches, and educators to foster environments that prioritize safety and encourage the reporting and treatment of head injuries.
Healthcare System Response
The increase in concussion diagnoses presents unique challenges for the healthcare system, including the need for specialized training for healthcare providers and the development of standardized protocols for diagnosis and management. Innovations in medical technology have introduced new tools and practices that have significantly advanced our ability to manage concussions more effectively.
Empowering the Community
For Parents
Knowledge is power. Being able to recognize the signs of a concussion enables parents to act swiftly in seeking medical attention for their child. Education about prevention, as well as proactive communication with children about the importance of reporting injuries, can make a significant difference.
For Athletes
Athletes of all ages should be educated on the dangers of concussions and the importance of honest reporting of symptoms. Adherence to return-to-play protocols after an injury is critical to preventing further damage.
What This Means For Us
The marked increase in concussion diagnoses in recent years is a call to action for parents, coaches, athletes, and the medical community. It’s a prompt to engage collectively in actions that safeguard the well-being of our most active populations. By prioritizing education, enhancing diagnostic methods, and advocating for comprehensive care and recovery protocols, we can address the challenges presented by this trend head-on.
Every year in the U.S., about3.8 million people suffer through a concussion.
Concussions can happen when you get into an accident, fight, or sport’s injury. Since they’re so common, most people don’t think of them as life-threatening.
Although many people are familiar with the term, not everyone knows what to do after a concussion. In this article, we will walk you through the basics.
What is a Concussion?
A lot of people associate concussions with sports injuries. However, a concussion can happen to anyone.
Concussions are traumatic brain injuries (TBI), that can happen due to a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. Most TBIs happen when the blow causes the brain to move rapidly and shift back and forth.
The brain moves and shifts back and forth in the skull and as a result, it causes chemical changes in the brain. This can stretch and strain the brain cells and cause bruising, damaged blood vessels, and injure the nerves.
While most experts don’t consider concussions life-threatening, the effects of them can have serious consequences in the long run.
Concussions Warning Signs
Although concussions are common, sometimes they’re not as easy to diagnose. Unlike a visible cut or bruise, you can’t see concussions. It may take up to 48 hours for a concussion to show signs.
If you injured your head and think you might have a concussion, you should watch for these signs:
Enlargement of the pupils or unequal in size
Nausea and vomiting
Behaviour that seems out of character
Seizures
Having trouble recognizing familiar faces
Uncontrollable dizziness
Headache that progresses over time
Trouble with double or blurry vision
A feeling of weakness or numbness in the extremities
Fainting
Slurred speech
Difficulty falling and staying asleep
If you suspect you might have a concussion, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What Steps to Take After a Concussion?
If you suffered from a concussion, your doctor might recommend some of the following in steps to speed recovery.
Become aware of any triggers. After a concussion, you will notice it’s difficult to perform certain activities. If any activity aggravates your symptoms, you have to identify it as a trigger.
You will recover a lot faster from a concussion if you identify and avoid your triggers.
For example, if exposure to bright lights aggravates your headaches, avoid direct exposure to bright light. It might be as easy as diming down the lights, closing the blinds, or wearing sunglasses.
Get enough sleep. When we’re injured, our bodies will begin the healing process while we sleep. If you’re not getting enough sleep after your concussion, you might be robbing your body of recovery time.
Ensure you get a good night sleep every night to speed up the recovery after your concussion.
If you feel tired after you return to your everyday activities, you should try to take short naps throughout the day as necessary.
Rest your brain. Sometimes it might feel because we’re resting our bodies like we’re also resting our brains, but this is not the case. When our brains get overstimulated, they have a hard time resting.
When you’re in the process of recovering from a concussion, it’s important you give your brain the rest it needs.Brain stimulation is excellent for your brain under normal circumstances, but when you need to recover from a concussion, you need to tone it down.
If you’re reading, studying, and focusing on one thing for a long period of time, you are overstimulating your brain. Since you can’t stop these activities completely, make sure you take plenty of breaks.
Don’t forget about your body. After a concussion, your body and your brain suffered trauma. As important as it is for your brain to get rest, your body needs it too.
If performing simple activities is troublesome after a concussion, take a step back and take a break. Don’t force your body into activities until it’s ready. Talk to your doctor about which activities you should stay away from.
Make the best decisions. If youplay sports or live an active lifestyle, you might have the urge to return to it after a concussion. However, you should ease into these activities.
Picking up where you left off might not be the smartest thing for your brain.
What to Avoid in After a Concussion?
After a concussion, your doctor will recommend what things to avoid while you’re in the recovery process. Most people generally stay clear of the following:
Since physical activity tends to elevate the heart rate, it’s not recommended after a concussion. Excessive physical activity will worsen your symptoms.
It’s also important you don’t do things that will aggravate your brain. For example, playing video games, watching TV, texting, and reading. Listen to your body when you attempt to perform any of these activities.
If after 15 minutes of watching TV you get a headache, take a break and return after the symptoms subside.
Your doctor might also recommend you stay clear of driving for a few days. Due to the concussion, your brain might take longer to react. Slower reaction times could increase your risk of accidents.
Although pain relievers might help lessen your symptoms, they can also increase your risk of bleeding. Ask your doctor about the recommended dosage.
Can You Prevent a Concussion?
Although it’s not always easy to prevent a concussion, taking a few steps might help lower your chances.
If you participate in a sport, make sure you always wear protective gear. When you drive, always wear your seat belt and avoid driving under the influence.
Even when you take the necessary precautions, concussions can happen as the result of negligence. If your concussion was the result of the liability of another, you might be entitled to compensation. Talk to abrain injury attorney about what your options are.
What to Do After a Concussion: The Bottom Line
Now that you know what to do after a concussion, it will be easier for you to identify the signs.
Remember to go see your doctor if you suspect you’ve suffered a concussion.
If you enjoyed these health tips and would like to learn more, check out thehealth section of our blog.
What to do when someone around you suffers an electric shock? How about a cut, a fracture, perhaps even a heart attack? These events are relatively common today, and they can happen anytime to pretty much anyone, so knowing how to handle them is important. And there are many who can handle themselves well in such situations but, unfortunately, not nearly enough. And even those who have received some training in it still carry some pretty common misconceptions about first aid that can, under the right conditions, do more harm than good – like the ones on our list below.
1. Don’t fall asleep if you suffered a concussion
One of the longest-running myths – unfortunately, further propagated by the media – is that if somebody suffers a concussion, that person must be kept awake at all cost, otherwise they might slip into a coma. Thus, people who have suffered massive blows to their head are kept awake forcibly by the bystanders.
The truth is the only reason why a person who has suffered a concussion should be woken up (not kept awake) a few times in order to avoid throwing up in their sleep (this is one of the effects of a concussion). Otherwise, you should let them sleep – especially if a doctor has seen them beforehand.
When your nose starts to bleed, the first thing those around you will tell you is to put your head back so that the bleeding can stop sooner. This is, in turn, a bad piece of advice – you should actually do the contrary.
If you put your head back when your nose bleeds, the blood will flow down your throat, and you will swallow it – once in your stomach, the blood can cause nausea and vomiting. Instead, you should tilt your head forward, pinch your nose right at your nostrils, and hold it for about 10 minutes. This should do it – if not, make sure to seek medical attention.
3. Pour alcohol on an open wound
You often see this one in the movies: the hero pours some vodka or whiskey on the gunshot wound, then gulps down a sip or two, and gets right into the fight. In real life, you shouldn’t act this way.
The open wound itself doesn’t need to be disinfected – the disinfectant serves as a measure to prevent germs from getting into the wound. The wound itself is cleaned out by the blood that flows out of it, that also serves as a sealant – something that alcohol can dissolve. So, if you suffer a cut or something more serious, make sure to disinfect the skin around it and don’t put alcohol inside. It won’t help – but it will sting like hell.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been discharged from hospital after treatment on a blood clot between her skull and brain.
Her medical team said she was making good progress, and were confident she would make a full recovery, said the state department.
It added in a statement that she was “eager to get back to the office”.
Hillary Clinton was earlier seen leaving New York-Presbyterian Hospital with her husband and daughter.
The state department said at the time she had not been discharged, but was merely travelling to another hospital building on the campus for further tests.
Hillary Clinton, 65, is due to stand down before President Barack Obama formally begins his second term in January.
Appointed secretary of state at the start of Barack Obama’s first term, in January 2009, her health has been under intense scrutiny because she is considered a strong candidate for the Democratic nomination for president should she decide to run in 2016.
The former first lady was taken to hospital on Sunday when the clot was discovered. She had suffered a concussion earlier in the month after falling in her home.
She had fainted after becoming dehydrated while battling a stomach ailment, aides have said.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been discharged from hospital after treatment on a blood clot between her skull and brain
Hillary Clinton is being treated with blood thinners to dissolve the clot.
During her stay in hospital she worked from her bed, speaking with staff and reviewing paperwork, US state department officials said.
Renowned for her grueling travel schedule, Hillary Clinton’s most recent foreign trip in December was to Dublin.
“She’s been quite active on the phone with all of us,” spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.
The secretary of state is due to give evidence before a Congressional committee later this month in connection with the attack in September on the US consulate in the Libyan city of Benghazi.
The US ambassador to Libya and three American officials were killed in the incident.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been hospitalized in New York with a blood clot, officials say.
Hillary Clinton suffered a concussion earlier this month after fainting and falling down.
At the time, she was reported to have had a stomach virus and to have passed out after becoming dehydrated.
Hillary Clinton is due to stand down as secretary of state before US President Barack Obama officially begins his second term in January.
Doctors discovered the clot during a follow-up examination on Sunday, her spokesman Philippe Reines said.
“She is being treated with anti-coagulants and is at New York-Presbyterian Hospital so that they can monitor the medication over the next 48 hours,” he said.
“They will determine if any further action is required.”
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been hospitalized in New York with a blood clot
Hillary Clinton is due to give evidence before a Congressional committee in January in connection with the attack in September on the US consulate in the Libyan city of Benghazi.
The US ambassador to Libya and three American officials were killed in the incident.
Hillary Clinton was appointed secretary of state at the start of Barack Obama’s first term, in January 2009.
Her most recent foreign trip was to Dublin earlier this month.
Hillary Clinton, 65, is known for her gruelling travel schedule.
She is the most travelled secretary of state in history, having visited 112 countries while in the job, the Associated Press says.
Earlier this month, President barack Obama nominated Senator John Kerry – the Massachusetts Democrat who heads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee – to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state.
Hillary Clinton has repeatedly said that she only intended to serve one term in the post.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton fainted and had a concussion, the AP reports.
The State Department said an ill Hillary Clinton is now recovering at home after the incident, according to the AP.
CBS News’ Margaret Brennen reports Hillary Clinton was dehydrated from a stomach bug.
The US Department of State has released the following statement: “While suffering from a stomach virus, Secretary Clinton became dehydrated and fainted, sustaining a concussion. She has been recovering at home and will continue to be monitored regularly by her doctors. At their recommendation, she will continue to work from home next week, staying in regular contact with Department and other officials. She is looking forward to being back in the office soon.”
An aide, Philippe Reines, says Hillary Clinton will work from home next week, where she will be monitored by doctors.
Congressional aides do not expect her to testify as scheduled at congressional hearings on Thursday into the September 11 attack against a U.S. diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador.
“Secretary Clinton’s team contacted Senator [John] Kerry this morning to inform them of the Secretary’s concussion,” Jodi Seth, a John Kerry spokesperson, said Saturday.
“Senator Kerry was relieved to hear that the Secretary is on the mend, but he insisted that given her condition, she could not and should not appear on Thursday as previously planned, and that the nation’s best interests are served by the report and hearings proceeding as scheduled with senior officials appearing in her place.”
The aides spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to publicly discuss Hillary Clinton’s status.
Hillary Clinton pulled out of a weeklong trip to North Africa and the Middle East because of a stomach virus this week.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton fainted and had a concussion
Only days before, Hillary Clinton had said she was in excellent health during an interview with Barbara Walters.
At 67, detractors have claimed Hillary Clinton’s advancing age and health make her too old to realistically serve as a two-term president were she elected in 2016.
“I am, thankfully, knock on wood, not only healthy, but have incredible stamina and energy,” Hillary Clinton told Barbara Walters.
Hillary Clinton has a history of fainting, having a brief spell in 2005 during an appearance before a women’s group in Buffalo.
In that case, she recovered quickly and immediately resumed all scheduled appearances.
Lady Gaga admitted on stage that she felt a bit concussed after being hit on the head by a dancer’s pole during her concert in Auckland, New Zealand.
And two days later Lady Gaga has revealed she’s still feeling a “bit woozy” following the head clash.
Lady Gaga, 26, has taken to Twitter to post up a photo of herself with her black eye which was caused by the incident.
But she insists she’s recovering after flying into Australia to complete her Born This Way tour.
Lady Gaga took the picture from her hotel room in Brisbane and wrote: “Emerging from hours of sleep. Still remiss if I should go outside, with this clonker I may be of questionable styling.”
Lady Gaga has taken to Twitter to post up a photo of herself with her black eye which was caused by the Auckland concert incident
The singer added: “Thank you so much for all the thoughtful messages. I feel a bit woozy but a little better everyday. Very happy to be in beautiful Australia.”
She was on stage in Auckland when a dancer accidentally struck her on the head with a pole as she danced early on in the two-hour set.
The superstar told the crowd: “I want to apologize. I did hit my head and I think I may have a concussion but don’t you worry I will finish this show.”
Lady Gaga managed to continue the show and even finish it despite the injury.
Her make-up artist, Tara Savelo, added on Twitter following the show: “Gaga has a concussion but she is going to be okay. She wants u to know she loves u. I’m taking care of her. Cant believe she finished the show.”
Lady Gaga now has a couple of days rest before she is due to restart the trek in Brisbane on Wednesday night to begin the Australian leg.
Lady Gaga was left stunned by an unexpected mishap while in the middle of her hit song Judas at Sunday’s show in New Zealand.
Lady Gaga, 26, is in the middle of a world tour but was brought back to earth with a bump when she was hit on the head with a giant pole by one of her backing dancers.
The controversial singer had been dancing attached to the pole by a rope but later left the podium and ducked down to pick up a prop gun
Her backing dancer then immediately picked the pole up and was turning it from its vertical position to carry it off horizontally.
It was at this moment that as Lady Gaga raised her head, the pole came crashing down on her.
She immediately carried on but later mentioned the incident to the audience.
“I want to apologize,” she told fans according to TMZ.
“I did hit my head and I think I may have concussion. But don’t you worry, I will finish this show.”
Lady Gaga was left stunned by an unexpected mishap while in the middle of her hit song Judas at Sunday's show in New Zealand
Lady Gaga is playing three concerts at the Vector Arena.
During the shows she, unsurprisingly, underwent numerous costume changes.
She also appeared as a hologram and later thanked a 78-year-old male fan for turning up, telling him “you’re lovely”.
During the two-hour sellout show she also played guitar, rode a motorbike and fell into a “meat grinder”.
Lady Gaga also appeared onstage riding what resembled a giant louse.
The singer made for a bright sight as she arrived in Auckland last week clad in a neon orange dress.
She got a lively welcome from crowds of fans packed outside her hotel.
Her appearance came amid reports she has rekindled her romance with Vampire Diaries actor Taylor Kinney.
Lady Gaga sparked rumors of a reunion after she was joined by the 30-year-old actor in Thailand and then continued on to Singapore with her.
A source told Us Weekly: “They sure looked like they were back together – holding hands and being cute everywhere they went. They were seen kissing right as they got into the [hotel] elevator.”
The insiders confirmed that they were dating once again back on and trying to make things work despite her demanding lifestyle.
They said: “They are going to try and make it work even with her crazy schedule. Gaga realized she missed him.”
Taylor Kinney and Lady Gaga initially split in early May after ten months together. At the time, sources said the Grammy winner’s hectic calendar was to blame.
The informant explained: “She will be touring nonstop until next year. There’s just no room for anything else. Her work is all-consuming.”
A second source admitted last month that things between Lady Gaga and the screen star were still complicated.
“They may still be trying to make it work. She feels like having him keeps her grounded. Obviously she thinks he’s hot… She says he’s ‘really cool.”
Meanwhile, Lady Gaga was forced to cancel her June 3 concert in Jakarta during the Asian leg of her tour following protests from a local hardline Islamist group.
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