A traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained after an accident or a direct blow to the head is called a concussion. A concussion should be taken seriously, because your brain was physically shaken and moved briefly out of its normal positioning – which can therefore affect the full and proper functioning of your brain.
However scary the thought, most people do recover completely from a concussion with proper medical treatment and supervision. The effects of a concussion, such as imbalance or memory problems, are usually temporary.
What’s especially tricky about concussions is that it’s possible to not know that you actually had one, such as in the case of a low-grade concussion. Therefore, it’s best to have yourself evaluated after any incident that involved a sudden shake or impact of the head.
There are three different grades of concussion. Let’s talk about the various symptoms for each one.
Signs of a Grade 1 Concussion – Low-Grade, Mild
In a grade 1 concussion, you can experience a headache, difficulty focusing, memory loss, dizziness, and nausea. You can usually return to normal activities within a few days following a grade 1 concussion after the symptoms have fully passed.
This type of concussion is considered mild and doesn’t cause you to lose consciousness. Minor car accidents and sports accidents are usually what causes a grade 1 concussion.
Signs of a Grade 2 Concussion – Mid-Grade, Moderate
The symptoms of this moderate type of concussion may be similar to a grade 1 concussion, but a grade 2 concussion typically involves a brief loss of consciousness. This can last for at least a minute but less than five minutes. Again, with any level of brain injury, see a doctor right away.
Additional symptoms include brief amnesia, ringing in the ears, and irritability. A grade 2 concussion requires many days of rest before returning to normal activities.
Symptoms of a Grade 3 Concussion – High-Grade, Severe
A severe concussion is where you lose consciousness for more than five minutes. The symptoms can also last for weeks before they may begin to subside. You are at risk of permanent brain damage with a grade 3 concussion.
Patients with grade 3 concussion can experience speech difficulty, amnesia for more than 24 hours, vomiting, and seeing stars. The symptoms of a grade 3 concussion are also the longest-lasting before they improve and subside.
Concussion Medical Care and Treatment in Sherman, TX
Regardless of your concussion symptoms, you should have an evaluation by a skilled doctor before returning to your daily activities. Patients who suffer from a moderate to severe concussion require special and continuing care. Our team at Carrus Health here in the Texoma area is dedicated to improving your quality of life after suffering from a concussion.
We provide post-traumatic care to patients with neurological conditions and brain injuries. We combine our expertise, experience, and compassion in helping patients who require continued care and monitoring in order to enjoy a full recovery as much as possible.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today by calling us at (903) 870-2600 or by filling out our contact form now. We look forward to seeing you!