National Concussion Awareness Day
National Concussion Awareness Day ® celebrates its fifth-year observance. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the importance of recognizing and adequately treating a mild to severe traumatic brain injury.
Concussions Are More Common Than You May Think
Among the key findings of a CDC report to Congress regarding traumatic brain injury-related Emergency Room visits, Hospitalizations, and deaths, we have:
- Every year in the U.S. there are approximately 2.87 million traumatic brain injuries (TBI) ER visits. These include over 837,000 cases involving children
- About 288,000 TBI-related hospitalizations, of which over 23,000 are children
- There are an estimated 56,800 TBI-related deaths. 2,529 of these are children
With such high numbers, we can safely say concussions are now an epidemic in America.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury or TBI. The cause is a blow or jolt to the head or a hit to the body. The sudden motion results in the brain bouncing or twisting inside the skull. The abrupt movement can create chemical changes in the brain and, in some cases, results in stretched and damaged brain cells.
Preventing Concussions
Some accidents aren’t preventable, but there are safety precautions we can all take to ensure we minimize the risk of suffering a concussion.
- Wear appropriate, well-fitted helmets when riding your bike or playing contact sports
- Install safety gates at the top and bottom of your stairs to avoid young children from accidentally falling down the stairs
- Always wear your seat belt
- Use age and size-appropriate car and booster seats
- Ensure playgrounds have soft surfaces such as grass or sand
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms typically show up soon after the injury. However, some symptoms can be subtle and may not show up for hours or days. Once symptoms manifest, they can last for days, weeks, or even longer.
Common signs of a concussion are confusion, headache, and loss of memory (amnesia). The amnesia typically involves forgetting the event that caused the trauma.
Other common symptoms of a concussion may include:
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unusual fatigue or drowsiness
- Problems concentrating or remembering things
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Mood, behavior, or personality changes
Danger Signs and What to Do in Case of an Emergency
Depending on the severity of the trauma, blood can collect and cause a hematoma that can create pressure inside the head and cause the brain to push against the skull.
These are signs and symptoms you should look out for:
- One pupil is larger than the other
- The victim is Drowsy or has trouble waking up or staying awake
- A persistent headache or one that gets worse over time
- Trouble speaking or slurred speech
- Muscle weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions, or seizures
- Unusual behavior increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
- Loss of consciousness. Even a brief loss of consciousness is a warning sign
Warning Signs for Infants and Toddlers
- Any of the above symptoms
- Uncontrollable crying after a fall or blow to the head
- The child won’t nurse or eat
If you notice any of the above symptoms after head trauma, call 911 and immediately come to Prestige ER. Severe traumatic brain injuries are time-sensitive. The faster you receive medical attention, the better the outcome.
At Prestige, we understand the importance of prompt emergency medical care, so we work hard to ensure minimal wait times at our facility. With us, you get seen by a doctor in minutes, not hours.
