Before your next outdoor adventure, know the signs and symptoms of concussions

July 15, 2019, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Before your next outdoor adventure, know the signs and symptoms of concussions

Do you know the signs? The number of concussion diagnosis rising in Ontario

If a friend or family member was involved in a head-related incident, like a slip and fall on a sidewalk or a car accident, would you be able to tell if they had been concussed? 

When it comes to recognizing a concussion, the signs and symptoms of one can range depending on multiple factors, including age and gender. 

Headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity and nausea are typical signs for most people, but as concussion research explores the symptoms of concussion further, many researchers are learning to expect the unexpected.

There has been an increase in the number of concussions diagnosis. The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation reports that 150,000 concussions are diagnosed each year Ontario, twice the number of people that have been previously reported by doctors. 

The growth in concussion reports is the result of many things, the increase in education on concussion signs and symptoms is certainly helping people to seek help and treatment.

With summer here, a time when 26 percent of all concussions are diagnosed, it is important that people take the opportunity to learn about the major and minor concussion signs and symptoms. 

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a concussion can help to improve the outcome of recovery for a loved one, especially for children under five and adults over the age of 65. 

While most people have a  general understanding of the physical signs of concussion, few know about the emotional and mental symptoms as well, which can take between 7 to 10 days to develop.

According to research, concussions can exhibit up to 22 different post trauma signs, with some symptoms not showing up for three or four weeks.

If you suspect that someone you know has a concussion, but doesn’t exhibit any physical symptoms, some emotional signs include sudden sadness, anxiety, anger or irritation. Mental signs of a concussion can include sleep issues, trouble remembering or concentrating and slow cognitive function. 

Emotional signs and symptoms in young children and babies can be harder to diagnose. One thing parents can look out for is if children are not crying or are inconsolable, and if they won’t nurse or eat. 

And for those deciding on when to see a doctor about concussion, people who visit a doctor sooner have an increased chance at a better recovery. 

Early medical intervention is one of the ways to treat a concussion, and research is starting to discover more treatment options that can help to speed up the healing process. One option is to rest. 

Traditionally, doctors have discouraged people with concussions from sleeping for long periods of time, but now after new research, sleeping for longer time periods is being encouraged. 

If you know someone with a concussion, encourage them to take longer resting periods or breaks throughout the day. It is important that these resting periods are for sleep only, so people with a concussion should withhold from studying, stay off electronics and slowly return to previous work and hobbies to ensure that they’re giving their brain a better chance at fully recovering.  

These infographics provided by the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital can provide some information on other signs and symptoms, as well as any other treatment tips for concussions.

As researchers continue to study concussions, our knowledge on concussion signs and symptoms will continue to update. 

One of the best ways to protect you and your family from a tough recovery from a concussion, is to read up on the latest concussion research and learn of newly discovered concussion symptoms. 

Remember, the sooner a concussion is found after a head-related incident, the sooner it can be treated. 

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

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