Vomiting, Ringing Ears: Signs of A Concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can pose serious threats to your brain’s ability to function properly. The Center for Disease Control reports that between 2001 and 2009 emergency room visits for brain injuries increased 62 percent. If someone experiences multiple concussions, the cumulative trauma could result in brain damage. A concussion can be caused by a sever strike to the head or a violent shaking of the head. Since not every concussion results in unconsciousness, some people don’ even realize they have a concussion. The Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy reports that the majority of concussions are undiagnosed and argues that the number of concussions is at least six times greater than the number of those on record. Therefore, it is important to become aware of this injury’s symptoms, especially if you regularly participate in a full-contact sport such as football or hockey.

Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic reports that symptoms of a concussion may include any of the following: headache, temporary loss of consciousness, slurred speech, confusion, amnesia, dizziness, ringing ears, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, irritability, depression and sleep disturbances. Some sufferers of concussions report the sensation of feeling “as if in a fog.” As you can see, although there are many symptoms associated with concussions, none of them are definitive. For this reason, if you have any assortment of these symptoms, you should contact a doctor to verify either your well-being or your need for further aid.

Cause
When you experience a significant blow to the head, your brain can slide against the inner wall of your skull. This will affect brain function and result in the previously listed symptoms. Sadly, if the blow is sever enough your brain could bleed, which could result in death.

Treatment
The best treatment for a concussion is rest. To ease the pain of the associated headaches, you may take an acetaminophen. The Mayo Clinic reports that you should avoid ibuprofen and aspirin because they might increase the risk of bleeding, which would lead to further complications. Your doctor can give you a neurological exam to establish the extent of your concussion. The doctor can then decide which methods will work the most effectively to rid you of this horrible injury.

Break from vigorous sports
Injury from mishaps during intense physical activity are often the culprits behind concussions. It is important, for this reason, to avoid returning to physical sports immediately after healing from a concussion. Your brain needs time to readjust and your head needs adequate time to once again create the sort of barrier that can protect you from future injury. With proper rest, hopefully your body will be able to limit the harm already done to your brain. Before returning to physical sports, you should consult a medical professional about your current health and your prospects for a healthy and fruitful return to physical activity.