Concussions are a mild type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). While they are most often associated with hyperactive children and teenagers, they can affect adults as well. In fact, elderly patients (ages 75 and over) account for more hospitalizations and emergency room visits related to TBI than any other age group.
Concussions, no matter how mild, can result in issues associated with thought processes, dizziness, vision, headaches, sleep patterns, and appetite. Beyond that, experiencing a subsequent concussion before an initial one has had the proper time to heal is incredibly dangerous, as the patient can develop issues such as brain swelling or permanent brain damage. In some cases, multiple concussions can even cause death. As such, it is highly recommended that patients seek out treatment if symptoms of a concussion are lingering.
What Are the Leading Causes of Concussions in Adults?
Concussions result from various types of trauma to the head, including:
Falling on one’s head Vehicular accidents that cause head injury or whiplash Blows to the head during a sports match or exercise Being punched in the head
When these traumas occur, the brain gets rattled around inside the skull. When the brain rubs against the side of the skull, it becomes bruised, resulting in a concussion.
What Are Some Symptoms of a Concussion?
Concussion symptoms in adults are typically the same as those that manifest in children and teenagers, but they can vary for different people.
Patients experiencing any of the following issues should seek out medical attention right away:
Difficulty concentrating is having a negative impact on the patient’s performance at school or work Changes in the patient’s personal relationships due to mental issues Friends and family have noticed changes in the patient’s personality The patient gets angry or irritable seemingly at random The patient often finds themselves getting lost or easily confused Patients have more difficulty making decisions throughout the day The patient has noticed changes in their sleep patterns and appetite
What Is the Neurological Approach to Treating a Concussion?
While head traumas sometimes get better on their own, this isn’t always the case. Patients who are experiencing symptoms from head trauma, whether it occurred several months ago or recently, should get checked out right away to ensure that there are no lingering issues.
Our neurosurgeon in Los Angeles is trained to provide comprehensive care in the form of thorough assessments and carefully designed treatments. These steps are carried out with an expert level of care to ensure that the patient’s operation is effective at reducing the negative effects of the concussion and produces a positive recovery experience.
Some of the steps of concussion care include:
Assessing the concussion side effects that the patient is currently struggling with Carrying out comprehensive imaging of the brain to gain a better understanding of what areas have been affected A combined effort between the practitioner and patient to come up with a treatment plan that will be manageable and effective for the patient Prescribe treatments such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, depending on the issues that the patient is dealing with Connect patients with neuropsychology specialists who can aid the patient in dealing with memory changes, mood issues, and learning difficulties
What Is the Takeaway?
Concussions are an incredibly serious life event that should not be taken lightly. They can affect people of any age. If left untreated, they can lead to neurological issues that are difficult to reverse. Getting treatment right away is of the utmost importance. Neurological specialists can help patients determine the scope of their issues and curate a treatment plan that helps protect their brain function. Contact us today to make an appointment.
