Spotting the Symptoms of a Concussion

In most areas of your body, your skin serves as your primary line of defense. However, some areas have bony elements designed to safeguard key organs. For example, your ribcage encases your lungs. No other part of your body has the solid layer of bone to protect it like your brain, though.

Fortunately, that means that when your head experiences a trauma, your skull does a lot to defend against problems. Unfortunately, a serious enough blow can still cause issues.

Specifically, some incidents physically damage your brain. If you experience a mild traumatic brain injury, medical professionals call this a concussion. Knowing how to respond to a concussion helps to prevent lasting problems and serious, even fatal, consequences. 

With that in mind, Angel J. Garcia, MD, and our team want to help you spot concussions. If you notice the signs of this brain injury, see us at El Paso Center for Family & Sports Medicine. Dr. Garcia can help the affected person recover — and protect their brain as they do so. 

To help you determine if you should come see our team, let’s outline the symptoms of this type of brain-based problem. 

Warning signs of a concussion

Concussion symptoms vary from person to person. If you hit your head or something slams into it, it’s best to play it safely by taking it easy for a few days.

To help you watch out for a concussion, some signs that the brain has been injured include:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Forgetfulness
• Ear ringing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Light and/or noise sensitivity
• Mood or personality changes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sleep problems
• Trouble concentrating

If any of these signs sound familiar, see Dr. Garcia. He checks you for a concussion by testing things like balance and memory. He might also use diagnostic tools like a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

Symptoms of a serious concussion

Sometimes, the head injury causes a blood clot in the brain. That requires urgent medical attention. Go to the emergency room right away if you see any of these symptoms:

• A headache that gets worse
• Loss of consciousness
• Loss of coordination
• Numbness
• Seizure
• Slurred speed
• Uncontrolled nausea and vomiting
• Weakness in the arms or legs

If the symptoms of the concussion get worse with time, call 911 or go to the emergency room. 

What to do if you think you might have a concussion

In most cases, treating a concussion means protecting the brain from further damage. Physical and mental rest help it heal. 

If Dr. Garcia diagnoses you with a mild concussion, he’ll recommend avoiding the following as you recover:

• Any physical activity
• Alcohol
• Driving 
• School
• Work

Even watching TV or otherwise looking at a screen can be too much for the brain to handle after a concussion. Phone calls and visits with friends and family are a great way to pass the time as you heal. 

Dr. Garcia tells you when it’s safe to return to regular activities, including school or work, slowly. Call our office or book an appointment online today for the care you need to protect your brain.