A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that is caused by an abrupt blow to the head. Or the source originates from somewhere else without direct contact with the head. Concussions lead to long-term brain injury, especially when several are sustained over time. Even a single concussion may lead to damage to the brain.
Even a Single Concussion Leads To Long Term Brain Injury
A study published online March 12 in the journal, Radiology shows even just one concussion causes long-term structural damage to the brain. Researchers used 3-D MRI to examine the extent of gray and white matter in 19 concussion victims one year after their injury, and 12 people who had not suffered a concussion. It shows a measurable loss of gray and white matter (brain atrophy) in the victims.
Furthermore, it shows brain atrophy did occur not only in people who experienced several concussions, but also those who suffered just one concussion. After a concussion, there are registered changes in brain structure, even though routine clinical imaging may fail to show.
It is recommended patients who’ve had a concussion to be examined by a physician. A victim who continues to experience symptoms after an ordeal should follow up with his or her physician. He or she should avoid risky activities such as running or contact sports.
Symptoms of Concussion
Symptoms of a concussion include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Attention issues
- Memory loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
Some of these symptoms last for months, others for years. Some people will briefly lose consciousness after a concussion.
Consequences of Repetitive Head Injury
The public health implications of repetitive head impacts are significant. There is concern, especially on the effects of head impacts that do not result in symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of concussion (subconcussive). This concern comes from the fact that the more you experience brain trauma the more likely you are to have long term damage.
Suboptimal Signal
Suboptimal signal pathways are similar to the different routes possible taken to home. Some routes have more traffic than others. Drive around an accident — it takes longer to get home. Get stranded in a traffic jam — who knows how long the trip will take. What should be an easy way home, isn’t.
The same applies to the brain. In a normal brain function, the signals (routes) for a task like reading, is equally distributed for optimal flow. When it is suboptimal — like if stuck in a traffic jam, it means the impacted cells lack enough blood flow to do their jobs.
The more suboptimal pathways continue to work the more the brain gets tired. With multiple concussions, there are simply more opportunities for suboptimal pathways to happen.
Those pathways can be mended with the help of physical and cognitive therapy under the direction of a trained medical professional.
Neuropsychological Impairments
Research on amateur and professional soccer players show an association between cumulative headers and neuropsychological impairments. This may lead from mild to severe deficits in the areas of concentration, attention, memory, judgment, and concentration. Neuropsychological impairments are also associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Neuropsychological impairments sometime makes a person feel unlike himself or herself. This could increase the risk of suicide. The symptoms can be emotional and may not resolve, or will make existing struggles worse unless treated.
Risk of Dementia
Studies show a link between multiple concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a kind of dementia. If post-concussion symptoms are treated it helps reduce the risk of dementia.
Get Claim for Concussion Treatment
Treatment of concussions requires mental and physical rest to give the brain time to heal. But post-concussion syndrome has no specific course of treatment. Its symptoms need to be managed, which requires funds. Concussions caused by another person’s negligence are eligible for compensation. Seek brain injury lawyer to start the compensation process. He or she will help to obtain a diagnosis and establish a clear link between symptoms and cause of concussion.
Symptoms after multiple concussions may not resolve. A custom treatment plan is created to target the areas of the brain that need help. Physical and cognitive therapy is involved in the treatment to help repair damaged pathways of the brain.
