What To Do If You Think You Have a Concussion
Millions of Canadians suffer concussions in different types of accidents each year – slips and falls, car accidents, boating accidents – they can all cause concussions.
Brainline.org explains more about concussions, the steps to take if you believe you have one and when you should seek medical help.
Today, there is no single, objective measure that can determine if someone has had a concussion. To make a diagnosis, professionals look at many variables that might indicate trauma, ranging from changes in balance to memory lapses and dizziness.
It’s critical to seek immediate medical attention in a hospital or emergency department if any of these symptoms are present:
- Loss of consciousness, even if only briefly
- Any period of amnesia, or loss of memory for the event
- Feeling dazed or confused
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Seizure
In addition, for children under 2 years of age, any scalp swelling or abnormality in the way they usually behave. If possible, see a medical professional who has knowledge of and experience with brain injury.
The best answer about when you should seek medical help is: when in doubt, get prompt medical attention. Lots of people may have a headache or dizziness for a day or so and then recover fully, but a very small group of people who sustain a concussion — five percent — can develop bleeding or a blood clot that can be life threatening if not promptly diagnosed.
If you have suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury in an accident, contact us immediately.