A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that happens when the brain gets jolted or shaken, often from a blow to the head or a sudden, forceful movement. While concussions can be mild injuries that many recover from without long-term effects, leaving a concussion untreated can lead to more serious complications. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and take the necessary steps to get proper treatment. Let’s explore what happens if a concussion goes untreated and the potential dangers of ignoring these injuries.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when a sudden impact or powerful jolting motion causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This movement can cause the brain to become bruised or even damage brain cells. Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over the course of several days or even weeks. In some cases, people experience delayed symptoms, which can make it harder to recognize the injury right away.
Common symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
What Happens If a Concussion Goes Untreated?
When a concussion is left untreated, your brain may not have the opportunity to heal properly, which can lead to long-term problems. Here’s a breakdown of what happens if you leave a concussion untreated:
Symptoms That Won’t Go Away
An untreated concussion can lead to symptoms that may last for weeks, months, or even years. This is a condition known as post-concussion syndrome, which can cause ongoing headaches, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, and mood changes. People with post-concussion syndrome can have trouble returning to their normal activities because the symptoms interfere with work, school, and relationships.
Cognitive and Emotional Impairments
Untreated concussions can impact cognitive function, meaning you might find it harder to concentrate, think clearly, or remember information. Over time, untreated concussions may also lead to emotional changes, including irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
Sleep Issues
Many individuals with untreated concussions have trouble sleeping, like with insomnia or sleeping too much. Sleep problems can lead to other symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating, creating a vicious cycle that can slow down the recovery process.
Increased Risk of Second Impact Syndrome
If someone suffers another head injury while their concussion is still healing, they may develop a condition known as second impact syndrome. This rare but severe condition occurs when the brain swells rapidly after a second concussion, which can be life-threatening. Without proper care, the brain is more vulnerable to further injury, making it essential to avoid activities that could lead to additional trauma.
Common Causes of Concussion
Concussions can happen when something jolts the brain around within the skull, whether from a direct blow to the head or a sudden, jarring movement. Here are some of the most common causes of concussions:
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, hockey, soccer, and boxing are some of the leading causes of concussions. Players can suffer concussions from direct hits to the head, falling to the ground, or collisions with other players. Even non-contact sports like gymnastics or cycling can lead to head injuries from a fall or accident.
- Falls: Falls are one of the most common causes of concussions, especially in young children and older adults. Slips on ice, tripping down the stairs, or losing your balance can lead to a head injury.
- Car Accidents: Car accidents are another common cause of concussions because of the risk of high impact. You could hit your head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Plus, the rapid movement of the head during the crash can lead to a whiplash concussion, where the forceful jerking motion causes the brain to jostle around inside the skull.
- Physical Violence: Physical assaults, such as being punched or hit in the head, can easily cause a concussion. Domestic violence, mugging, or other physical altercations can lead to serious head trauma. Shaken baby syndrome, where an infant or young child is violently shaken, is another severe form of concussion that can have devastating effects.
- Bicycle and Scooter Accidents: Whether riding a bike, skateboard, or electric scooter, any fall or collision with a vehicle can lead to a concussion, especially if you aren’t wearing a helmet. Helmets are critical in preventing head injuries, but even with protection, the force of an accident can still lead to a concussion.
- Workplace Injuries: Some jobs, like in construction, manufacturing, or roofing, have a higher risk of concussions. Falls from ladders or scaffolding, being struck by falling objects, or a slip and fall injury in the workplace can lead to head trauma and a potential concussion.
The Connection Between Concussions & Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully thrown back and forth and is one of the most common car accident injuries. This rapid movement can strain the muscles and ligaments in your neck and can also lead to a concussion.
Whiplash & Concussion Symptoms
Both whiplash and concussions can have similar symptoms, including:
Because these symptoms overlap, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two injuries. However, a concussion involves damage to the brain, while whiplash primarily affects the neck and surrounding soft tissues. If you’ve experienced whiplash and concussion together, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. These injuries can make one another’s symptoms worse, causing more severe symptoms and a longer recovery time.
Can an Airbag Cause a Concussion?
Airbags are designed to protect passengers during a car accident by cushioning the impact and reducing the risk of severe injuries. But, in some cases, airbags themselves can cause injuries, including concussions. An airbag deploys with a significant amount of force, and if your head and upper body collide with the airbag, it can also lead to a concussion from airbag deployment.
Signs of a Concussion After Airbag Deployment
If you’ve been in a car accident and experienced a concussion from an airbag, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Confusion or disorientation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
If these symptoms appear after an accident, it’s important to get evaluated by a College Park car accident doctor as soon as possible. They can assess the severity of your injury and develop the best treatment plan to help you recover.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Concussion
It might be tempting to brush off a concussion as a minor injury, especially if you think your symptoms are mild. However, concussions are brain injuries and ignoring them can have long-lasting consequences. If left untreated, your brain may not have the chance to fully recover, which can cause lingering symptoms and complications.
Here’s why you should never ignore a concussion:
- Brain health is critical: A concussion can impact your cognitive abilities and emotional well-being. Prompt treatment will ensure that your brain gets the rest it needs to heal properly.
- Chronic symptoms can develop: Untreated concussions could lead to post-concussion syndrome, causing headaches, memory problems, and mood changes that could last for months or even years.
- The risk of additional injury is higher: If you experience a second concussion before fully recovering from the first, you could face life-threatening complications like second impact syndrome.
Treating a Concussion
The most effective treatment for a concussion is getting plenty of rest. Here are a few other ways to manage a concussion for a full recovery:
Rest and Avoid Stimulation
When you’re recovering from a concussion, it’s important to rest both physically and mentally. You’ll want to avoid activities that require intense concentration, including reading, working on the computer, or watching TV. You must give your brain time to heal by taking breaks from work and school and getting plenty of sleep.
Gradually Return to Activity
As your symptoms improve, you can gradually return to your regular activities. However, it’s important not to go back to strenuous physical activity too soon. Take it slow and consult with your doctor to determine when it’s safe to return to exercise, work, or school.
Monitor for Worsening Symptoms
If your symptoms get worse or you start to notice new symptoms, you need to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms like vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures, or changes in behavior could be signs of a more serious brain injury.
Visit a College Park Concussion Doctor Near You
A concussion is a serious injury that should never be ignored. Whether you’re dealing with a concussion from whiplash, a car accident, or another traumatic event, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent long-term complications. If you suspect you’ve sustained a concussion, don’t wait. Get evaluated for a concussion by a College Park doctor at AICA Orthopedics and take the necessary steps to allow your brain to heal. Our team of doctors includes car accident doctors, pain management specialists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and more. At AICA Orthopedics, our College Park doctors work together to provide you with a personalized treatment plan to help you recover from a concussion.