According to medical statistics, more than three million concussions occur in the U.S. every year. The majority of these concussions occur through recreational activities and sports. After getting a concussion, you will be five times more likely to sustain another, which increases your risk of more severe brain damage. Therefore, if you have a concussion and have symptoms such as memory and balance problems, you should seek Atlanta concussion treatment. The treatment involves conducting comprehensive concussion diagnostic testing and treatment to help your brain heal. Here is an exclusive guide about concussions and the available treatments.
What Exactly Is a Concussion?
This is a mildly distressing brain injury. It happens when a direct head impact makes your brain crash into your skull. The invisible injury interrupts the way your brain works by reducing mental stamina. Your brain will need to work harder and longer, even to do simple tasks. Although most concussions result from a head blow, even a forceful impact on your body can cause a whiplash effect that causes a concussion.
The doctor injects a steroid-anesthetics mix into the epidural space to cleanse the painful nerve root with soothing medication. When the needle is removed, the doctor applies a small bandage to cover the surface wound. In some patients, it might be essential to repeat the steroid injection up to three times to get full relief and enjoy all the benefits of the injection.
What Are the Common Symptoms of a Concussion?
After having a concussion, you might have immediate symptoms, or the symptoms might not appear for weeks or days. If symptoms appear, they might include; seizures, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, loss of balance, vision issues, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and concentrating, anxiety, irritability, and depression. Concussions might sometimes cause loss of consciousness. Even if you feel okay or only have minor symptoms, you will still require a thorough exam and proper treatment to ensure your concussion heals.
How Is Concussion Identified?
If you experience concussion symptoms, your provider will start by performing several tests to evaluate your brain for neurological function and structural problems. These tests often include MRI to check diffuse nerve injuries, videonystagmography (VNG) to check balance disorders, Balance Tracking System (BTrackS) to diagnose balance problems, and ImPACT testing to assess cognitive function.
What Are the Available Treatments for Concussion?
The most recommended treatment for a concussion includes mental and physical rest. Overworking your brain mentally, such as playing video games, texting, and driving will slow down your healing. Also, any other minor impact on your head after the first concussion will result in more serious brain damage. Generally, the key to concussion recovery is mental and physical rest. Other available innovative treatments include;
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
This treatment involves breathing pure oxygen when under pressure. The pressure enables your lungs to absorb higher oxygen amounts than normal. It’s the extra oxygen that enhances brain healing and relieves the symptoms of concussion.
- Vestibular Therapy
This is special physical therapy, effective in treating vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance. Your doctor will customize your treatment depending on your symptom severity.
Concussions are not life-threatening. However, the symptoms of a concussion can adversely change your life, and hence should be taken seriously. For most concussions, resting and gradually returning to activity under medical guidance will treat a concussion in days or weeks.
