How serious is a mild concussion?

How serious is a mild concussion?

Even if you’ve been told that you’ve only experienced a “mild concussion,” all concussions should be considered serious events. In most cases it’s true that a single concussion is unlikely to cause permanent brain damage. However, even having a mild concussion puts you at an increased risk of another concussion.

What not to do if you have a concussion?

4 things to avoid after a concussion

1. Excessive physical activity. An increased heart rate may worsen your symptoms, dragging out your recovery.
2. Strenuous mental activities. Reading, computer work, playing video games, texting and watching TV can overstimulate your brain, says Dr.
3. Driving too soon.
4. Pain relievers.

Is it OK for a child to sleep after hitting their head?

If the child seemed well after the bump to the head, it is OK to let them go to sleep. But if they seem unusually sleepy, or they seem dazed when they wake, they should be seen by a doctor straight away.

Is vomiting normal after hitting head?

The most common signs are a brief period of confusion or memory loss. This happens after the injury. Other signs of a concussion can include a headache or vomiting.

Is a concussion serious?

Concussions are usually not life-threatening, but they can cause serious symptoms that require medical treatment. A concussion is different from a contusion. A concussion specifically affects your brain, but contusions are bruises.

What should I watch after hitting my head?

Signs of a brain injury after a head injury include:

• unconsciousness – either brief (concussion) or for a longer period of time.
• fits or seizures.
• problems with the senses – such as hearing loss or double vision.
• repeated vomiting.
• blood or clear fluid coming from the ears or nose.
• memory loss (amnesia)

What to do when an elderly person falls and hits their head?

Falls can cause head injuries. These can be very serious, especially if the person is taking certain medicines (like blood thinners). An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they don’t have a brain injury.

When should you go to ER after a fall?

Emerman says patients who’ve suffered a head injury should visit the Emergency Department immediately if they: Lost consciousness or became confused/disoriented after they were injured. Suffered the injury at a high speed (car or bike accident, a steep fall, etc.) Are vomiting or feel nauseated.

What should you look for after a fall?

Seeking medical attention right away after a fall can reduce your risk of experiencing long-lasting injury, chronic pain or even death….Symptoms of a Potential Fall Injury

• Severe or lingering pain.
• Headaches.
• Obvious swelling.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Bruising.
• Loss of balance.
• Dizziness.
• Back pain.

Why do the elderly die after a fall?

“People can die after a fall for many reasons, which may include head trauma, internal bleeding and complications of a bone fracture,” he said. “Fractures can lead to hospitalization, immobility in bed and respiratory or other infections, which can be fatal.” Several steps can be taken to reduce the risk, Pahor said.

What to watch for after an elderly person falls?

8 Things the Doctors Should Check After a Fall

• An assessment for underlying new illness.
• A blood pressure and pulse reading when sitting, and when standing.
• Blood tests.
• Medications review.
• Gait and balance.
• Vitamin D level.
• Evaluation for underlying heart conditions or neurological conditions.

What are the most serious consequences of a fall?

The most serious consequences of a fall are severe injuries, the risk of fall-related anxiety, and financial instability due to medical bills and lost wages.

Why do elderly die after breaking a hip?

Several factors can contribute to death after a hip fracture. These range from issues that led to the fall, such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological issues, to post-surgical complications like infections and pulmonary embolism.

What is life expectancy after hip fracture?

Some reports show that up to 50% of patients with hip fracture die within six months and many of those who survive do not recover their baseline independence and function. In recent decades the increase in life expectancy after 60 years of age has led to an exponential growth in hip fractures.