The Long-Term Effects of Concussions
Although most people fully recover from concussions, here’s why some effects may linger.
Head injuries such as concussions, especially in youth and professional sports, have always been part of the game. Thankfully, there is increasing emphasis being placed on preventing these injuries from occurring. Steps are also being taken to better protect players from sustaining long term effects from their injuries. And that’s a good thing, because although most concussions are mild, they should be taken seriously.
What is a concussion?
“A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs due to some type of bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull,” says Jeffrey Mora MD, neurologist at PIH Health. “When this happens, brain cells may be damaged and there may be chemical or electrical changes that occur in the brain. Most concussions are not life-threatening, but their effects can be serious and long-lasting.”
What happens after you have a concussion?
In most cases, according to Dr. Mora, the brain fully heals after sustaining a concussion. At least it appears that way when the brain is examined using imaging technology such as a CT scan or MRI. But the brain is a complex organ, and sometimes even though the brain looks like it’s healed, there may be lingering effects from the injury. Every person and every injury are different so it’s hard to predict how quickly or how fully someone will recover after having a concussion.
What types of symptoms may linger after a concussion?
“Some people experience what is referred to as post-concussion syndrome. This may include symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, problems with concentration and memory, fatigue, sleep problems, balance issues, irritability/anxiety, depression, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, noise sensitivity, light sensitivity and seizures,” says Dr. Mora. These symptoms may last for weeks, months or even years.
Is there anything that helps speed recovery from a concussion?
According to Dr. Mora, getting treatment for a concussion quickly may result in a faster recovery and better outcome. “That’s why it’s so important for athletes, parents and coaches to be able to assess potential brain injuries and get injured players the medical care they need as quickly as possible,” says Dr. Mora. Finding a doctor who specializes in treating concussions may also help aid recovery because the healthcare provider may be more in tune with noticing, understanding and treating the subtle nuances of these brain injuries.
What if you have more than one concussion?
Although most people heal following a single concussion, the effects of concussion can be cumulative, especially if they occur shortly after one another. People who have multiple concussions may find that they experience more severe symptoms and it may take longer to recover. A study done at Harvard University found that former football players who reported more concussion symptoms during their careers were significantly more likely to report having cognitive impairment, depression and anxiety later in life.
To find a doctor, go to PIHHealth.org/Doctors.
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