Concussions are trauma to the brain (TBI) resulting from any external force – a blow, bump, or jolt that triggers your brain (inside the skull) to move, bend or shake, resulting in changes in the brain’s chemistry. It can damage brain cells and affect brain functioning.
It is commonly believed that you only get concussions when you hit your head. This isn’t the case. A powerful hit to the body could quickly cause the jarring impact required to shake the brain, leading to concussions, even if the head itself doesn’t receive a direct blow.
Let’s look at Can you get a concussion without hitting your head? other concussion myths and misconceptions, and extra data you should be aware of regarding this potentially life-changing injury.
What Is A Concussion? Diagnosed?
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If you do end up having a concussion, it is essential that to do is to take a break and rest. Avoid doing anything too mentally demanding, such as watching TV, reading, and playing games on video. Instead, you should spend those first 2 days relaxing in a quiet place and refrain from engaging in activities that make you feel worse.
After the first forty-eight hours, you can gradually increase your activities. You can go back to school or work for brief periods or take a few minutes every day to watch or read. It’s crucial to adhere to the advice of your physician throughout this time of healing. If you talk to your doctor about the possibility that you may have been a concussion victim, they will conduct tests on various aspects of the neurological function.
This includes:
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye movement is voluntary.
- Coordination
- Memory function
Typically brain scans aren’t needed to diagnose the presence of a concussion. Many victims believe they require CT scans or MRIs to determine whether they suffer from a concussive injury. Contrary to their belief, Concussions aren’t visible on the CT or MRI.
If you’ve suffered severe concussions, you might need an imaging test. While the trauma may not be apparent, the physical damage caused by the injury may be. The visible signs of wear could include swelling or bleeding within the brain.
Body
Whiplash:
Whiplash is a kind of neck injury after the neck is violently moved between two points. This may result in the head moving inside the skull, resulting in a concussion. Whiplash is often related to car accidents. However, it can happen in contact sports like hockey or football.
Blast waves:
Concussions can also happen because of exposure to blast waves which are high-pressure shocks generated by explosions. Blast waves traverse through the air and into the body and cause the brain’s structure to shake within the skull. Civilians and military personnel living near war zones are more vulnerable to concussions caused by blasts.
Sports injuries:
Sports injuries can cause concussions even when the head is not directly affected. For instance, if the player is hit with a severe strike to the part of the body, then the brain may be able to move inside the skull, which can result in a concussion. In addition, certain games, such as soccer, may cause concussions because of the repetitive movement of the ball.
Falls:
Falls are a frequent cause of concussions. This is especially true for older adults. If a person is thrown down, their head might not always hit the ground. However, the force of the fall may trigger the skull to rotate inside the skull, which can result in concussions.
The Main Causes of Head Injury
Perhaps it’s a sporting injury. Maybe you fell and hit your head against the counter. You may have been driving without an appropriate seatbelt and were hit by a car. Perhaps you were thrown around in the roller coaster park. From the most terrifying to the most infuriating ways to get a concussion, the solution is identical:
It is impossible to sustain concussions unless, for example, you struck your head, suffered whiplash, or jolted your brain enough to collide with the skull. If you have encountered one of these three types of head injuries, your odds of a concussion are incredibly high. But, certain circumstances tend to lead to serious brain injuries compared to others.
Crash into a tree snowboarding?
Have you been in a motor vehicle crash?
Are you afraid to fall from a balcony?
The situations mentioned above and others similar to them are more likely to cause a severe TBI than, for instance, being a football player who is tackled. However, a less frightening head-on collision isn’t a reason to let your guard down. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a severe brain injury (listed below) take medical attention immediately.
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How Does Someone Get A Concussion?
A concussion can occur in a variety of ways. The most contact-based sports are where most concussions happen, and a study by Med Star health over 11 years discovered that most concussions in youth sports were in football for men and lacrosse. These sports typically require bodily contact and emphasize running and tackling.
However, non-sports-related concussions may occur in accidents with high impact. Most of these events are caused by car collisions. All in all, about 5.3 million residents in the United States live with concussion-related impairments.
How Much Perseverance Will It Take To Have A Concussion?
A concussion occurs when the force of an impact or sudden acceleration causes the brain to push against the opposing part of its skull. There isn’t a threshold of energy that can result in a concussion for all people because every individual and their brain is unique.
G-force refers to acceleration in opposition to the gravitational pull of the earth. For many years, scientists believed that concussions happen in the 90-100 g force range. However, several studies show that concussions are commonplace at 60g. 90-100 g force is the equivalent of the skull crashing into an object at 20 mph.
It was discovered that the National Football League commissioned research using crash test dummies. They determined that blows over 85g could result in a concussion, while any blows lower than that would not.
However, The University of North Carolinians’ Center for the Study of Retired Athletics discovered a different conclusion. Of the thirteen concussions researchers tracked over five years, 6 resulted from blows less than 85g, and seven varied from 100g to 169g.
With helmets fitted with sensors that recorded more than 104,000 collisions, many hit over 98g did not result in concussions. Only 0.33 percent of all crashes that were over 80g caused concussions. A majority of hits between 60 and 63g resulted in concussions.
Consequences of Concussion
Concussions can be a severe issue for those who suffer from them. They are also afflicted with a condition called post-concussion. The majority of concussions heal within two weeks. However, post-concussion syndrome can cause symptoms that can last for months.
It may also evolve into a persistent post-concussive disorder if symptoms persist for longer than 3 months. Certain people recover entirely but suffer for weeks of post-traumatic headaches as the brain repairs them. Many suffer from an extended period of vertigo following a concussion.
Multiple concussions can cause permanent brain damage and could result in significant impairment when not adequately treated. Anyone who has injured their head is at risk of developing a condition known as Second Impact Syndrome.
This complex and fatal situation occurs when someone who has already suffered a concussion is afflicted with a second incident of their brain expanding or moving. The second blow could be less severe but still have terrible effects. In many instances, deaths and long-term disability may occur.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
The majority of people will recuperate wholly and quickly following the concussion. Certain people may experience symptoms lasting for a few weeks before slowly improving. Get medical attention immediately If:
- Headache is more severe or is not gone.
- A slurred or distorted speech and weakness, as well as numbness or diminished coordination
- Acute nausea or frequent vomiting
- Seizures
- Confusion loss
- Unable to get up
- The symptoms can become worse at any point
- The signs haven’t gone off after 10-14 days
- Concussion history with multiple concussions
Untruths about a Concussion
Concussions are unsolved injuries that a variety of reasons can cause. Most of the time, you will experience extreme symptoms but show no apparent signs externally. These peculiarities have created several myths and misconceptions concerning traumatic brain injury.
Here are a few of the most commonly cited myths:
- Concussions are generally minor.
- Concussions are always entirely healed.
- Concussions are only triggered when you are unconscious.
- Concussions are only triggered when you knock your head on the ground.
- It is not possible to sleep when you have a concussion.
- It is safe to engage in sports when there aren’t apparent indications.
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Frequently Ask Questions
What Is The Time Frame When Symptoms Of Concussion Start To Appear?
Concussion symptoms typically manifest within minutes after an injury to the head. However, specific symptoms could be delayed for a few hours before appearing. The symptoms can develop over days, and others may be present as the brain gets stressed due to the use of.
How Can I Identify Myself As A Concussion?
It’s difficult to know if you’ve sustained concussions when your symptoms are not severe. Many suffer from minor concussions but do not recognize their ailments’ seriousness. The first warning symptoms of a concussion are problems sleeping, constant headaches, sensitivity to sound and light, and memory issues.
Can You Get A Concussion Without Hitting Your Head?
Following a concussion, it is possible to develop headaches similar to migraines. The pain is usually located at the front of the forehead or in your temple. It is generally described as “pounding” or “throbbing or throbbing. It may also be associated with nausea and sensitivity to sound and light.
Does It Harm To Rest With A Concussion?
Medical experts have advised that patients should remain awake in the event of an injury like a concussion. They based their advice on the premise that sleeping while suffering from an injury like a concussion can cause the person to enter a coma or even be killed.
What Is The Length Of Time That Concussion Symptoms Last?
A lot of sufferers recuperate from concussions that are mild quickly, with prompt medical attention and rest. Concussions can be difficult to treat since each patient experiences different effects. It is also possible for a severe concussion that causes permanent brain injury that can lead to various medical issues that are only manageable and not treated.
Can You Withstand An Injury To Your Head Without Treatment?
The majority of concussions heal without medical intervention. It is recommended to have your head examined by a medical professional when you suspect you’ve suffered from an injury that could be a result of a concussion.
Is It Possible To Ignore A Minor Concussion?
While your concussion might be minor, its consequences could be severe. If you do not take note of symptoms, your condition may worsen. That’s why it is important to consult us at Neurology Consulting of Arizona immediately should you suspect a concussion.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Can You Get A Concussion Without Hitting Your Head? Although concussions are typically connected with direct head blows. However, you can suffer a trauma with no impact on your head. Whiplash, blast wave injuries from sports, and falls can all be caused by concussions. Should you or someone you know suffer symptoms of a concussion; you must get medical help immediately to avoid permanent consequences.