When one thinks of a traumatic brain injury, images of people suffering through comas or from debilitating paralysis easily come to mind. However, many people are unaware that concussions are surprisingly common and are considered traumatic brain injuries. As a result, a number of people will suffer some form of concussion without even realizing that it has occurred.
It can be difficult to find people both willing and able to understand the difficulties that people who suffer traumatic injuries often face. TryMunity is a social website dedicated to creating a space for brain injury sufferers to gather in support of one another. Additionally, TryMunity also offers a number of resources to help community members to be informed about brain injury.
How can you tell if you have suffered a concussion due to head injury? Below are some ways to identify if you may be suffering from a concussion.
How Do Concussions Occur?
Concussions occur when an individual is involved in some sort of jarring event that causes the delicate brain tissue to violently impact the inside of the skull. Events that can cause a concussion include:
- car accidents
- sports injuries (football, boxing, etc.)
- falls
- combat injuries
- physical assault or abuse
Although many concussions can be caused by a direct blow to the head, a concussion can also be caused by a devastating shaking of the upper torso, such as in whiplash. Any motion that causes the brain to slosh inside of the skull in such a way as to cause injury can be responsible for a concussion.
In smaller children as well as in the elderly, falls can be the cause of concussions. It can also be much more difficult for a child or an elderly adult to be cognizant of the concussion.
How Can I Know If I am Suffering from a Concussion?
In spite of the fact that many people suffer concussions without realizing it, a number of symptoms may be evident. They may include:
- a loss of consciousness
- a feeling of extreme tiredness or fatigue
- nausea and upset stomach
- memory loss
- difficulty speaking
- tinnitus or ringing within the ears
Concussion symptoms in a small child can be almost unrecognizable, but careful observation for any of these signs can help parents correctly identify a concussion. It is imperative that a person suffering from a concussion be put under immediate observation and prevented from continuing or participating in any rigorous activity until the signs and symptoms have disappeared.
If you or anyone you know has suffered from long term problems due to a brain injury such as a concussion, TryMunity is here to help. Our website has many resources to assist and connect you with others in the same situation. Our ultimate goal is help educate people about brain injuries and to offer brain injury support and resources to the people who need it the most. Join us today.
