What to do in case of a concussion?
Content:
- Signs and symptoms of a concussion
- Do I need hospitalization?
- What to do before the ambulance arrives?
It is very easy to get seriously injured these days. One of the most common is head trauma. Such bruises are very dangerous in their consequences. They may not appear immediately, but only make themselves known after many years. In most cases, a concussion is the result of severe mechanical stress. It can occur as a result of a bruise, a fall, a blow to the head, or even a sudden jolt. No one is immune from this, but it is important to know what to do if you suspect a concussion.
Signs and symptoms of a concussion
It is very important to diagnose and assess the degree of traumatic brain injury in time. Physicians distinguish two main categories. The first is mild concussion. In this case, the brain hits the cranium, causing bruising and significant stretching of the nerve endings. Because of this, the person's reaction is greatly slowed down. This concussion is characterized by dizziness, weakness, nausea, and even vomiting. The headache can cause short-term memory loss (for example, the victim may not remember the moment of the injury).
Second degree - severe concussion. In this case, there is a longer coma, lack of reaction of the pupils to light, tinnitus, rapid or slow heartbeat. But the main symptom is still intense headache, the cause of which is a serious violation of blood circulation.
It is not at all necessary that the victim will have all of these signs. Some symptoms may appear after a few days. They also may not be very pronounced. It is important at this time to be under the close supervision of relatives. And at the first changes in human behavior, you should immediately consult a doctor. Otherwise, a small injury can turn into serious problems in the future.
The hardest thing to recognize is a concussion in a child. Each age has its own symptoms. Moreover, one must remember that the brain of children is significantly different from that of an adult, therefore the course of the disease may differ. For example, babies do not lose consciousness at all. In some cases, post-traumatic blindness is observed, which lasts from one minute to several hours.
Do I need hospitalization?
If you suspect a concussion, you should see a doctor right away. It is best if an ambulance takes the victim to the hospital. First of all, the examination takes place at the traumatologist. He makes an X-ray of the skull and several reflex tests, after which the patient is sent to the neurologist's office. A doctor can hospitalize a person for several days for a detailed examination and the necessary observation. Treatment is aimed at the rapid restoration of brain functions until the disappearance of dizziness and headache.
What to do in case of a concussion before an ambulance arrives?
Before the arrival of an ambulance, you can provide the patient with simple first aid. However, in no case should pain relievers be given. This can make the diagnosis much more difficult. It is also not recommended to take food or drink, as in this condition, even ordinary water can enter the lungs or bronchi, leading to dangerous suffocation. The most comfortable position in the event of a concussion is lying, with the head slightly raised. You can apply a cold compress to your forehead. Do not allow any sudden movements and quickly change the position of the body.
Do not panic if the victim has not regained consciousness after being injured. Immediately, you should put it on your right side, direct your head towards the ground, bend your left arm and leg at ninety degrees. This position will provide sufficient ventilation of the lungs, and in case of vomiting or dropping the tongue, access to the airway will not be blocked. The condition of the victim must be monitored. Any little detail will help the doctor better diagnose the patient's condition.
If the doctor has not identified a severe form of concussion, then the patient is prescribed a simple bed rest. Any sudden movements are excluded. Entertainment such as books, computer, TV, phone or tablet should also be ruled out. Flickering frames badly affects the brain, which is already unstable. You can listen to soft, calm music, but not through headphones.
Decoctions of soothing herbs such as peppermint, mistletoe, primrose, elderberry, motherwort, valerian can also help well. You should not eat heavy foods. During treatment, a light, plant-based diet should be preferred.
To speed up your recovery, it is recommended to take bee pollen for a month. It is important to remember that folk remedies can support recovery, but only a qualified doctor can give you basic recipes and advice. Self-medication can only significantly complicate the patient's condition and his subsequent recovery.
The author of the article: Volkov Dmitry Sergeevich | c. m. n. surgeon, phlebologist
Education: Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry (1996). In 2003 he received a diploma from the Educational and Scientific Medical Center of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation.
