A concussion is a brain-related condition that will impair your brain function. Typically, its effects are short- term such as headaches and trouble concentrating, memory, balance, sleep, and mood. Whenever your head or the body parts that have a close connection with the brain get injured, you will experience a concussion. Further, this blog will drive you through concussion and its effects on brain function.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is not just about the bump in your head, it is one of the complex brain injuries that can impact your brain function in the short term or long term. Concussion occurs when your brain shakes with the skull. This may seem simple but highly disturbs your brain, the way it processes information and controls bodily functions. Whenever you feel like you are experiencing a concussion, reach out to the head injury hospital in Coimbatore for better outcomes.
How can a concussion affect brain function?
In concussion sustenance merely, you just won’t experience physical trauma, it mainly affects your brain in different ways. The impact of a blow or sudden movement can change the electrical activity of the brain, resulting in either temporary or permanent changes in cognitive function. The effects greatly vary depending on its severity and the area of the brain concussion.
- Immediate physical effects: Right after the concussion, your brain struggles to do basic functions. You will go through dizziness, nausea, or headache as well.
- Impact on cognitive function: Usually concussion will impact your memory, concentration, and attention span. Further, affected individuals will find it difficult to remember recent events or process new information.
- Long-term effects on the brain: Few individuals will experience prolonged symptoms like headaches or difficulty concentrating months or even years after a concussion, especially if they suffer repeated concussions.
What are the symptoms of concussion?
The concussion symptoms will greatly vary from person to person, the symptoms can appear immediately or even be delayed for several hours. Further, the main symptoms include:
- Physical symptoms: The common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light or nose, and blurred vision are common. Further, you will also feel nauseous or fatigued.
- Cognitive symptoms: Most individuals with concussion issues will struggle with memory, speech, and focus. Another primary symptom is mental fog, making simple tasks even more overwhelming.
- Emotional and psychological symptoms: Individuals will frequently experience anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and depression.
What is the connection between concussion and brain function?
What will happen when you suffer a concussion? The human brain is a soft and jelly-like organ that floats in the cerebrospinal fluid within the skull. A sudden force will make your brain move fast inside the skull, stretching and damaging the neurons and their connections. This is known as traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Brain injury mechanism: The individual brain will collide with the skull and cause swelling. At times, it will interrupt the brain’s electrical signals, which are responsible for numerous functions from simple motor functions to complex cognitive tasks.
- The role of neurotransmitters: Post-concussion, the brain’s neurotransmitter system will be thrown off balance. Neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognition will be impaired, resulting in the psychological and cognitive symptoms mentioned before.
- Effects on brain cells: The mechanical forces during a concussion will damage your brain cells, affecting their ability to communicate properly. These disruptions are the difficulties you will experience post-concussions.
How to recover from a concussion?
Recovering from a concussion greatly varies from person to person, and it also depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s overall health. The first thing individuals should do is get good rest and avoid activities that could worsen symptoms. Slowly, patients can return to normal activities, but this should be done only with medical guidance, further, the neurosurgery cost in Coimbatore is also very low and anyone can afford it.
- Immediate recovery phase: Post-injury, resting both your brain and body is crucial. Cognitive rest is as important as physical rest, so avoid reading, screen time, and heavy thinking for a while.
- Returning to normal activities: When you get relieved from symptoms gradually, you can reintroduce physical and mental activities. Also, until getting a confirmation from your healthcare provider, don’t do risky activities.
How to prevent and protect yourself?
Preventing concussions is mandatory, in risky situations like sports. Protective headgear-like helmets will absorb some of the shock from impacts, but they are not foolproof. Following the proper technique is the key to reduce the risk.
- Safety measures: Wearing helmets, following safety protocols, and using appropriate gear can minimize the risk.
- Preventive practices: Athletes should practice good techniques and take frequent breaks to lower the risk of head injury concussion.
It’s crucial to visit the doctor if you feel like you have gone through a concussion. In case your symptoms worsen, or if you experience chronic concussion, memory loss, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical help. Simply, never fail to recognize the serious symptoms.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we can say that concussions have a profound impact on brain function, and will impair everything from cognitive processing and memory to emotional regulation and sleep patterns. Also, the concussion effects will be temporary, repeated injuries can result in long-term brain damage and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. You should take concussion seriously and get medical treatment if symptoms persist or worsen over time.
