Essay On Concussions
Concussions: Most Common Type of Traumatic Brain Injury
How many teens and adults have ever experienced physical contact during a sport or in their daily lives? Slight dizziness, severe headache, and even loss of balance are simple signs all people need to be aware of. A concussion is one of the most common types of a traumatic brain injury today. Individuals who suffer from this type of injury can have life long effects, consequences, and health risks that can be debilitating. Thus, concussions can have various causes and deadly effects. With proper prevention and treatment victims can go on to live a fulfilled life.
First, a concussion is a temporary loss of brain function caused by a blow to the head. It is not associated with …show more content…
being unconscious, but a loss of consciousness can occur during a concussion (Concussion). Traumatic brain injuries are so severe because the brain is the most complex part to one's body. It is the director of all movement, the seat of intelligence, and the interpreter of all senses (Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)). A concussion occurs when the brain collides with the inside of the the skull, caused by an impact which quickly moves the head in a direction. The skull changes direction faster than the brain, which forces the brain to slam into the skull. The collision between the brain and skull results in a brain bruise or a concussion (Mead 5). These are just some of the characteristics of a concussion, but there is much more needed information to follow.
Next, there are many ways a concussion can occur.
Just to name a few, not wearing gear correctly, hitting a head on an object, and motor vehicle accidents all can cause a concussion. During sports, it is extremely significant that equipment is worn the right way. In the event of automobile accidents, not buckling the seatbelt can result in someone colliding with the steering wheel, windshield, or dashboard. Also, a lack of exercise can play a role in getting a concussion. Exercise strengthens legs which ultimately results in better balance (Treatment and Drugs 2). The leading sports/recreational activities with the most concussions received by the athlete are cycling, boxing, football, wrestling, and baseball/softball. In the span of a lifetime, men are more prone to a concussion, but throughout the age of one to fifteen, men and women have an equal chance. In between the ages of sixteen and sixty-four, men have a higher chance of sustaining a concussion due to physical jobs and athletics. Men and women once again have an equal chance from age sixty-five and up. During infancy, infants can get shaken baby syndrome. This is caused by forcefully shaking a baby and is extremely harmful. Infants can also get concussions from falls and motor vehicle accidents. Children can obtain traumatic brain injuries from domestic violence, automobile accidents, being struck by a vehicle, or even roller coasters. Amusement park rides can give adolescents concussions because …show more content…
of the acceleration and deceleration during the roller coaster. In common cases, a child's head will slam into the back of the seat. During teenage years, automobile accidents, sports, and recreational activities are amongst the most common causes of concussions. Throughout the ages of twenty-four and up, the most common causes of concussions are auto accidents, falls, elder abuse, assault, and improper use of medication. Substance abuse can lead to unconsciousness or falls (Roberts Stoler and Albers Hill 27-30). Many events can cause a traumatic brain injury to occur and different causes can happen depending on age.
In addition, there are many symptoms of a concussion and they are very important. With the knowledge of the symptoms, it can help save someone from playing sports or experiencing school with a concussion present. Physical signs of a traumatic brain injury are blurry vision, grogginess, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, headache, light sensitivity, and ringing in the ears. Slow reaction time, disabled muscle coordination, disorientation, inability to focus, and depression are all mental indications of a concussion (Concussion 1) (Mead 6) (Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)). After the initial symptoms, more can follow. Memory loss of the events occurring before and after are common. After sustaining a severe concussion or getting numerous concussions in a short amount of time, long term memory loss is possible (Penn 929). If headaches will not go away and constant vomiting is taking place a couple of days after the concussion occurred, seek serious medical attention. Go to the emergency room if afterwards, another concussion takes place, or a loss of consciousness occurs (Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)). Knowing the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury are very useful for one's safety.
Furthermore, the recovery process of a concussion is extremely important and can be very serious if the treatment is not correct. The best way of recovering is rest. Also, avoiding physical activities, mental concentration, and technology are key to a successful recuperation. A few examples of mental concentration that should be avoided are schoolwork and reading. Video games, television, texting, and the use of a computer are forms of technology that should be eluded. Increase mental concentration and school as symptoms get better. Do not return to school or sports if symptoms are present. This problem has occurred to many individuals all over the country and it has lead to further consequences. Also, Ask a doctor when it is safe to return to sports, school, or other activities, and ask if medicine needs to be used. Only take drugs that are recommended by a doctor. Acetaminophen is very useful if headaches persist. The most common form of it is Tylenol. Two drugs to avoid are aspirin and ibuprofen. There is a possibility that these two medications link to bleeding. They can also make bruising worse. The two most common forms of ibuprofen are Advil and Motrin IB (Treatment and Drugs 1) (Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)). Treatment and recovery are very significant when it comes to getting better and living a life without severe brain injuries.
Additionally, there are many small ways that concussions can be prevented. Most people do not think about them, but they can really help when avoiding a concussion. Home safety is a huge factor when preventing traumatic brain injuries. Blocking off stairways for infants and toddlers are very important. Also, keeping a home well-lit, installing window guards, and clean floors are significant. While riding in a vehicle, buckling the seatbelt is essential and can injure or even kill someone if not put on properly. It restricts and keeps the passenger or driver from hitting their head on the windshield, steering wheel, or dashboard. Believe it or not, exercise can help prevent a concussion. It strengthens legs which ultimately gives someone better balance and decreases the chance of falling. Spreading knowledge about the causes, symptoms, and treatment can assist prevent more concussions. Awareness can be passed on to coaches, athletes, parents, or just about anyone. It can save individuals from ongoing activities when a concussion is present (Treatment and Drugs 2). Concussions cannot fully be prevented, but there are many actions individuals can do to make them less susceptible to one.
Lastly, it is important to know about the future symptoms and consequences of a concussion.
Reduced memory performance, bradykinesia (slow movement), depression, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, language problems, attention problems, and concentration problems are all long lasting effects from a concussion (Concussion 1) (Wakowiak 16) (Roberts Stoler and Albers Hill 203-238). Most of these effects come from ongoing concussions or numerous injuries in a short amount of time. They are not common to individuals who have only had one or two with a significant time in between them. There are many possible solutions being created to try and stop the amount of concussions occurring. One solution that is being developed is a transmitter that can determine if someone has a concussion in twelve minutes with earbuds. It is being developed by the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center. The transmitter could be approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2017 (Just Reading This Will Make a Your Head Hurt 30). Another solution is brain research. Many NFL players have donated their brains after they passed away and they are being used for experimentation. Usually, the players that donate are ones that have had ongoing concussions throughout their careers. Former New York Giants punter, Steve Weatherford, has committed to donating his brain after he passes away. Hopefully, with all of the research and new gadgets being created, the rate of concussions
occurring can be minimized.
To conclude, concussions can have many potent effects. The importance of proper treatment cannot be underestimated. With the knowledge of a traumatic brain injury, awareness can be spread and more people can be saved. With appropriate therapy and further research, concussion victims will go on to live accomplished lives.
How many teens and adults have ever experienced physical contact during a sport or in their daily lives? Slight dizziness, severe headache, and even loss of balance are simple signs all people need to be aware of. A concussion is one of the most common types of a traumatic brain injury today. Individuals who suffer from this type of injury can have life long effects, consequences, and health risks that can be debilitating. Thus, concussions can have various causes and deadly effects. With proper prevention and treatment victims can go on to live a fulfilled life.
First, a concussion is a temporary loss of brain function caused by a blow to the head. It is not associated with …show more content…
being unconscious, but a loss of consciousness can occur during a concussion (Concussion). Traumatic brain injuries are so severe because the brain is the most complex part to one's body. It is the director of all movement, the seat of intelligence, and the interpreter of all senses (Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)). A concussion occurs when the brain collides with the inside of the the skull, caused by an impact which quickly moves the head in a direction. The skull changes direction faster than the brain, which forces the brain to slam into the skull. The collision between the brain and skull results in a brain bruise or a concussion (Mead 5). These are just some of the characteristics of a concussion, but there is much more needed information to follow.
Next, there are many ways a concussion can occur.
Just to name a few, not wearing gear correctly, hitting a head on an object, and motor vehicle accidents all can cause a concussion. During sports, it is extremely significant that equipment is worn the right way. In the event of automobile accidents, not buckling the seatbelt can result in someone colliding with the steering wheel, windshield, or dashboard. Also, a lack of exercise can play a role in getting a concussion. Exercise strengthens legs which ultimately results in better balance (Treatment and Drugs 2). The leading sports/recreational activities with the most concussions received by the athlete are cycling, boxing, football, wrestling, and baseball/softball. In the span of a lifetime, men are more prone to a concussion, but throughout the age of one to fifteen, men and women have an equal chance. In between the ages of sixteen and sixty-four, men have a higher chance of sustaining a concussion due to physical jobs and athletics. Men and women once again have an equal chance from age sixty-five and up. During infancy, infants can get shaken baby syndrome. This is caused by forcefully shaking a baby and is extremely harmful. Infants can also get concussions from falls and motor vehicle accidents. Children can obtain traumatic brain injuries from domestic violence, automobile accidents, being struck by a vehicle, or even roller coasters. Amusement park rides can give adolescents concussions because …show more content…
of the acceleration and deceleration during the roller coaster. In common cases, a child's head will slam into the back of the seat. During teenage years, automobile accidents, sports, and recreational activities are amongst the most common causes of concussions. Throughout the ages of twenty-four and up, the most common causes of concussions are auto accidents, falls, elder abuse, assault, and improper use of medication. Substance abuse can lead to unconsciousness or falls (Roberts Stoler and Albers Hill 27-30). Many events can cause a traumatic brain injury to occur and different causes can happen depending on age.
In addition, there are many symptoms of a concussion and they are very important. With the knowledge of the symptoms, it can help save someone from playing sports or experiencing school with a concussion present. Physical signs of a traumatic brain injury are blurry vision, grogginess, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, headache, light sensitivity, and ringing in the ears. Slow reaction time, disabled muscle coordination, disorientation, inability to focus, and depression are all mental indications of a concussion (Concussion 1) (Mead 6) (Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)). After the initial symptoms, more can follow. Memory loss of the events occurring before and after are common. After sustaining a severe concussion or getting numerous concussions in a short amount of time, long term memory loss is possible (Penn 929). If headaches will not go away and constant vomiting is taking place a couple of days after the concussion occurred, seek serious medical attention. Go to the emergency room if afterwards, another concussion takes place, or a loss of consciousness occurs (Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)). Knowing the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury are very useful for one's safety.
Furthermore, the recovery process of a concussion is extremely important and can be very serious if the treatment is not correct. The best way of recovering is rest. Also, avoiding physical activities, mental concentration, and technology are key to a successful recuperation. A few examples of mental concentration that should be avoided are schoolwork and reading. Video games, television, texting, and the use of a computer are forms of technology that should be eluded. Increase mental concentration and school as symptoms get better. Do not return to school or sports if symptoms are present. This problem has occurred to many individuals all over the country and it has lead to further consequences. Also, Ask a doctor when it is safe to return to sports, school, or other activities, and ask if medicine needs to be used. Only take drugs that are recommended by a doctor. Acetaminophen is very useful if headaches persist. The most common form of it is Tylenol. Two drugs to avoid are aspirin and ibuprofen. There is a possibility that these two medications link to bleeding. They can also make bruising worse. The two most common forms of ibuprofen are Advil and Motrin IB (Treatment and Drugs 1) (Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)). Treatment and recovery are very significant when it comes to getting better and living a life without severe brain injuries.
Additionally, there are many small ways that concussions can be prevented. Most people do not think about them, but they can really help when avoiding a concussion. Home safety is a huge factor when preventing traumatic brain injuries. Blocking off stairways for infants and toddlers are very important. Also, keeping a home well-lit, installing window guards, and clean floors are significant. While riding in a vehicle, buckling the seatbelt is essential and can injure or even kill someone if not put on properly. It restricts and keeps the passenger or driver from hitting their head on the windshield, steering wheel, or dashboard. Believe it or not, exercise can help prevent a concussion. It strengthens legs which ultimately gives someone better balance and decreases the chance of falling. Spreading knowledge about the causes, symptoms, and treatment can assist prevent more concussions. Awareness can be passed on to coaches, athletes, parents, or just about anyone. It can save individuals from ongoing activities when a concussion is present (Treatment and Drugs 2). Concussions cannot fully be prevented, but there are many actions individuals can do to make them less susceptible to one.
Lastly, it is important to know about the future symptoms and consequences of a concussion.
Reduced memory performance, bradykinesia (slow movement), depression, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, language problems, attention problems, and concentration problems are all long lasting effects from a concussion (Concussion 1) (Wakowiak 16) (Roberts Stoler and Albers Hill 203-238). Most of these effects come from ongoing concussions or numerous injuries in a short amount of time. They are not common to individuals who have only had one or two with a significant time in between them. There are many possible solutions being created to try and stop the amount of concussions occurring. One solution that is being developed is a transmitter that can determine if someone has a concussion in twelve minutes with earbuds. It is being developed by the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center. The transmitter could be approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2017 (Just Reading This Will Make a Your Head Hurt 30). Another solution is brain research. Many NFL players have donated their brains after they passed away and they are being used for experimentation. Usually, the players that donate are ones that have had ongoing concussions throughout their careers. Former New York Giants punter, Steve Weatherford, has committed to donating his brain after he passes away. Hopefully, with all of the research and new gadgets being created, the rate of concussions
occurring can be minimized.
To conclude, concussions can have many potent effects. The importance of proper treatment cannot be underestimated. With the knowledge of a traumatic brain injury, awareness can be spread and more people can be saved. With appropriate therapy and further research, concussion victims will go on to live accomplished lives.