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6 Myths About Concussions

Concussions are the most common type of brain injury and can be one of the most challenging to recognize. The individuals most at risk for concussions include athletes, car accident victims, and slip and fall victims. With just how difficult it can be to diagnose an actual concussion, it is no wonder that there are several myths surrounding the injury.

In order to make sure you do not fall for one of the several concussion myths, here are just a few you have probably heard and shouldn’t listen to:

MYTH 1: You Will Always Lose Consciousness When Experiencing A Concussion

While some people do lose consciousness after a blow to the head, this is not true for all individuals with concussions. Usually, the loss of consciousness says a lot more about the severity of the concussion rather than the existence of the concussion.

MYTH 2: Symptoms Appear Immediately After A Blow To The Head

Again, this will occur for some and not to others. Concussion symptoms may not show up until a day or two after the initial blow to the head. That is why it is vital that you have someone around to monitor you for concussion symptoms for 24 to 48 hours afterwards to ensure your safety. That aside, if it is possible that you may have a concussion, avoid driving and participating in any sort of physical activity.

Here are just a few of the concussion symptoms you should be looking out for:

  • Dizziness

  • Confusion and difficulty concentrating

  • Frequent headaches

  • Memory problems

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Nausea

  • Tired and sluggish

  • Balance issues

  • Changes in mood (irritability, overemotional)



MYTH 3: You Can Return To Physical Activity 24 To 48 Hours After Receiving A Concussion

One of the worst things you can do following a concussion is to participate in a physical activity too soon. Doing so will only make your symptoms worse and will prolong the healing process altogether. That aside, some symptoms may not have appeared yet that could be really troublesome in the middle of a physical activity.

MYTH 4: The Severity Of The Impact Is Equal To The Severity Of The Concussion

Not necessarily. You could have been hit hard and dramatically and end up with little to no issues. Yet, someone else who has only taken a small hit to the head could be suffering from a rather severe concussion. You cannot tell the severity of the concussion just based on how it happened. That’s why even if it appears minor, you still need to see a medical professional and take caution.

MYTH 5: You Can Take An Aspirin For Your Concussion

You should never take an aspirin if you may have a concussion! This will greatly increase the risk of bleeding and cause further damage. However, acetaminophen can alleviate the pain without such risks. Furthermore, you should see a medical professional and follow their advice rather than try and take care of it yourself.

MYTH 6: It Is Impossible To Reduce The Risk Of A Concussion

That is not at all true! There are several precautions that can be made to reduce the risk and you should actively use them when possible. For example, if your activity requires a helmet or other protective gear, such as football, do not neglect to wear it. While some may recover from their concussion with no problems, others can suffer life-long consequences. Your head is simply not worth the risk.