HEALTH

Wellness

Get your head in the game: Concussions 101

Concussions are serious stuff, and they can really mess up your life if aren’t careful. So before you go jumpin’ into a rough game, know the symptoms of a concussion, and be sure to take yourself outta the competition if your head’s had a li’l too much fun for one day. Here’s a breakdown of the symptoms and when they’ll start popping up, just so ya know.

 

Time Frame

After ya take a hit to the head, there are a few symptoms that’ll show up immediately, but others may not arrive for days or weeks. Sometimes, new symptoms are also brought on when you return to normal activities too soon, because then your stress level increases. So be on the lookout for a while after your injury, in case the signs are slow to appear.

 

Attention ASAP

Immediately after ya get hit, you’ll know there’s something wrong if you pass out (even for a short time), have a headache that won’t quit, feel weak or dizzy, have convulsions or seizures, are confused or disoriented, have one pupil that’s larger than the other, throw up or feel nauseous, can’t speak easily, or seem extra tired. Basically, any kind of behavior that’s out-of-the-ordinary merits a trip to the ER or to visit your doc.

 

Sneakier Signs

Over time, a concussion affects four important general aspects of your bod. First, you can have emotional issues, like being unusually grumpy, sad, nervous, or just plain emotional. Second, you may have physical problems, like headaches, blurry vision, dizziness, trouble with your balance, and light or noise sensitivity. Third, your sleep schedule will probably be thrown off. You may sleep more or less than usual, and it’ll also be hard to get to sleep. Finally, your brain is gonna be a li’l shaken, so you’ll find it hard to think clearly, concentrate, remember stuff, and just go through life at your normal pace.

 

Take it easy out there on the field, babes, and if ya need some more info on concussions, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here

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by Carrie Ruppert | 2/1/2016
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