A concussion is said to be a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), that occurs due to a hit or blow to the head, neck or body, that results in a whiplash type injury where the head and brain move quickly back and forth. There is a high probability that a concussion type injury will not only damage the soft tissues of the brain, brainstem and spinal cord but also very commonly over looked is damage to the spinal structures where the head and neck meet. In many cases damage further down the spine will also occur.
How to Spot A Possible Concussion
When someone has suffered a concussion it is wise to monitor them carefully and take appropriate action as needed. Listed below are the most common signs and symptoms seen with concussion injuries.
Common Signs of A Concussion:
1. Appears dazed or stunned to others
2. Forgets instructions, seems confused
3. May seem unaware of what is going on around them
4. Movement is clumsy
5. Is slow to answer questions
6. If lost consciousness (even briefly)
7. Changes in mood, behavior, or personality
Common Symptoms of A Concussion:
1. Headache or a feeling of “pressure” in the head (suspect neck injury as well)
2. Nausea or vomiting
3. Balance problems or dizziness, double vision, or blurry vision
4. Sensitivity to light or sound
5. Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
6. Confusion, memory, and concentration problems
7. Just not feeling right or feeling down (depressed)
Concussion Treatment In Boise Idaho
We find it fascinating on how the symptoms of a concussion seem eerily similar to the symptoms of a migraine headache. Is this a coincidence or something more? We have found over the years that many migraine headache sufferers have had a previous concussion type injury to their head and neck that went untreated. Injuries that commonly result in concussion are car accidents, sports injuries, slips and falls etc.
In many instances these concussion cases will not show up in our office for another 10-15 years, never realizing until it is pointed out that they had a spinal injury along with their concussion whiplash type injury that was left uncorrected. This is in our opinion one of the most common causes of headaches, neck, shoulder, and back pain that slowly develops over time.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could have addressed the spinal injury shortly after it happened and corrected it then, instead of 10-15 years later when it is now a chronic condition?
Where to Go For Help
An evaluation by an Upper Cervical Chiropractor is a good idea if you have suffered a concussion, as they have the training necessary to detect spinal injury and misalignment which is the underlying cause of many common health problems that develop slowly over time following a concussion injury. Dr. Grayson Blom of Boise Idaho is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor that specializes in the detection and treatment of head and neck misalignment and other spinal related disorders.
REFERENCE:
http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/pdfs/youthsports/parent_athlete_info_sheet-a.pdf
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom, call 208-487-8653, or just click the button below
About the Author
