Concussion Symptoms
Understanding Concussion Symptoms
Concussions can be tricky to spot because symptoms are often subtle. But even mild symptoms indicate altered brain function and potential nerve damage. It's crucial to seek evaluation after any suspected concussion, even if you feel okay. Knowing the signs helps you decide when to seek professional help. The team at the Vancouver Brain Treatment Clinic (VBTC) are here to address any concerns you may have.
Common Misconception: Blackouts
Contrary to popular belief, losing consciousness isn't a primary indicator of a concussion. In fact, less than 10% of concussions cause a blackout, and if it occurs, it's usually brief. Prolonged unconsciousness signals a more severe brain injury.
Key Concussion Symptoms:
Headaches: From mild to severe, headaches are the most frequent symptom.
Memory Loss and Confusion: Difficulty recalling recent events, confusion about location, or even forgetting personal details. These may appear immediately or be delayed.
Dizziness and Balance Issues: Inner ear damage can cause dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. Severe cases may involve hearing loss or ear bleeding.
Cognitive Difficulties: Trouble concentrating, processing information, and remembering instructions.
Vision Changes: Seeing "stars," flashes of light, blurred vision, or double vision.
Nausea and Vomiting: Can occur immediately or be delayed, making it challenging to pinpoint the cause.
Mood Changes: Anxiety, depression, and irritability are common.
Fatigue: The brain requires significant rest to heal, leading to fatigue.
Brain Activity and Recovery:
Concussions disrupt brainwaves, initially causing a spike followed by a slowdown. While most people's brainwaves return to normal during healing, some experience prolonged abnormalities.
PrTMS for Brainwave Restoration:
If you continue to exhibit abnormal EEG patterns, VBTC offers personalized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (PrTMS). This safe and effective treatment uses magnetic impulses to stimulate nerve activity and restore normal brainwaves, often producing rapid results.
