Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that are a cause of both the head and brain moving in rapid motion, according to the CDC. Caused by a blow or jolt to the head, some individuals might not experience symptoms right away, while others experience fatigue, loss of consciousness, and headaches.

In this article, we’ll go over the effects of concussions and how chiropractic treatment can treat short or long-term concussion symptoms.

If you or someone you know has experienced a concussion, consider getting evaluated by a physician first for an official diagnosis. Additionally, if you experience a severe traumatic brain injury, seek medical attention right away.

Prevalence of concussions 

Concussions happen in a variety of outdoor or indoor settings. However, they are more common in popular sports such as rugby, football, or hockey, where the brain is vulnerable to head blows and jolts. Alternatively, if you’re in a severe car accident, you may experience whiplash or a delayed concussion that needs to be treated right away. A gunshot wound or fall can also cause traumatic brain injury and may lead to a concussion.

Typically, concussions are higher in adolescents than in older adults. According to a study by the journal JAMA, 19.5% of adolescents in the U.S. reported at least one concussion as of 2016. The study also reported an increase in the number of reported concussions, either due to more prevalence or a greater sense of awareness of concussion-related symptoms.

Short term effects of concussions

The short term effects of concussions vary from person to person. However, many report memory loss, headaches, confusion, lack of awareness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness, nausea, and depression. In some cases, an individual might experience symptoms right away or not feel them for a couple of hours. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to seek medical attention right away for trauma to the head.

Other common short-term effects include:

• Light sensitivity; migraines
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Depression, mood swings

Long-term effects of concussions 

Individuals with concussions may report symptoms after a few hours or days, or no symptoms at all. For instance, you may feel fine after a minor injury, only to realize that the symptoms later become more severe. Some common long-term effects include memory loss, lack of concentration, depression, paranoia, light and sound sensitivity, and sleep deprivation. Although long-term symptoms after a concussion are not widely reported, a small percentage of individuals might experience post-concussion syndrome, according to this report by the University of Utah, Health department.

Other common long-term effects of concussions include:

• Slurred speech
• Anxiety and irritability
• Disorientation

Chiropractic treatment for concussions 

If you experience a mild or severe concussion, please get checked by a physician. However, if the symptoms are mild or moderate and continue to persist, we recommend visiting a chiropractor who can reduce pain and inflammation. If you have chronic migraines, headaches, or other physical symptoms, visit a chiropractor. They can provide a great level of care by realigning the spine and offering adjustments to treat subluxations.

If you also experienced whiplash along with your concussion, a chiropractor may be able to help examine the vagus nerve and help reduce neck pain. They can address misalignment in the neck and other parts of the body that could be making your symptoms worse.

Don’t delay chiropractic treatment. If you have developed severe injuries, please seek medical attention right away. At Flintridge Family Chiropractic, we help realign and provide support to both adults and children. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need a consultation to reduce pain from a concussion.

Contact us today at 818-952-0172 for more information.