Head Concussion
The Dangers And Facts Of Head Concussion
Head concussions do not always involve the actual cracking or breaking of the skull, which is so often the impression that we get when faced with the word or situation. There does not need to be an actual break in the skull bones in order to suffer a severe head concussion. We are in danger of such an incident during everyday activities and regiments, even more so when we participate in physically demanding or violent activities and sports. The brain, which is really no more solid than a bowl of jello, floats inside of the head, protected by a layer of fluid which keeps it from touching the inside of the skull. When the head is jarred, hit, or injured suddenly, the brain will be forced into the side of skull.
Concussion, whether it is minor or severe, always damages the tender brain tissues. The good news is that in most cases, the miraculous inner workings of human body will heal the brain, and a full recovery is made within weeks or months. Under severe head concussion conditions, the brain will often lose some part of its proper functionality permanently, and this usually affects the memory, mobility, and sometimes the sight or hearing. There is no way to tell, with a severely concussed brain injury, just how mild or serious the long term issues will be. It is normal for slight improvements to be gained for sometimes years after a severe head concussion, but each case will affect a different area of the brain, making each case unique and unpredictable.
If you fear that you may be suffering a head concussion, you will want to stay wary and look out for certain symptoms that will help you to determine whether or not you need medical attention. Headache is almost always present with this condition, and even the trauma to the outer skull in and of itself will cause pain. In horrifying abuse cases, such as those reported with Shaken Baby Syndrome, the injuries are either caused at the brain stem area due to neck trauma or a concussed brain due to violent and continuous jarring.
Symptoms of head concussion may also include nausea and/or vomiting, loss of short or long term memory, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, disturbed sleep, or lethargy. Any of these symptoms should cause you to seek the advice of a trusted doctor. If you notice any of these problems with an infant or young child, especially when accompanied by irritability or excessive crying, you will need to have them checked out as soon as possible. Some cases of head concussion can cause extremely detrimental swelling, turning a minor injury into a permanent and hazardous condition.