Did you hit your head? Is that a concussion? Let's talk about this simply!

Hitting your head while playing, riding a bike, or doing household chores is something that happens to us all the time. Sometimes it's just a minor bump and you forget about it. But sometimes after hitting your head, do you feel a little strange, dizzy , or like you're going to vomit? That's when we're talking about something we need to be a little careful about. That's a condition called 'concussion.'

What exactly is a concussion?

Simply put, this is also a type of traumatic brain injury. But it's not the most severe type. Our brain is a very soft tissue, like jelly. It's inside the skull, surrounded by a water-like liquid (cerebral fluid), and it's like it's floating.

Imagine what happens when your head hits something hard, or when a car suddenly brakes? The brain inside the skull is also shaken back and forth by that shock. Like shaking a jar of jelly. At that time, there may be a small bruise to the brain, damage to blood vessels, or some effect on the nerves. This temporarily disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. This is what we call a concussion.

What are the main causes of a concussion?

A concussion can happen to anyone of any age. The main causes are:

• Sports accidents: This risk is especially high in contact sports like rugby, football, and boxing.
• Falls: Young children and the elderly are at higher risk because they fall frequently.
• Vehicle accidents: Head injuries in car, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents .
• Fighting: Due to a blow to the head.
• Accidents at home: things like slipping and falling, something falling on your head from above.

How do you accurately recognize the symptoms of a concussion?

Concussion can sometimes be difficult to recognize because it's not something that's immediately apparent, like a head injury with bleeding. Some symptoms appear immediately after the accident, while others may appear hours or even days later.

Let's categorize these features for easier understanding.

If a concussion occurs in young children and babies...

Young children are at higher risk of concussion because their heads are larger compared to the rest of their bodies. Also, babies and young children are not able to express exactly what they are feeling, so we as parents need to be extra vigilant.

Common characteristics of children:

• Headache and dizziness
• Stomach upset and vomiting
• More tired than usual
• It's hard to concentrate.
• Being easily angered or sad

Pay special attention to these characteristics of babies:

• Change in eating or drinking patterns
• Continuous crying without stopping
• Lack of interest in even a favorite toy
• Unsteadiness when walking
• Staring at one place
• A large bruise or lump anywhere other than the forehead

How does the doctor know if this is a concussion?

When you see a doctor, he or she will ask you about how the accident happened and your symptoms. They may also ask you simple questions to test your memory and concentration, such as "What's your name?" and "What day is it today?" Balance and reflexes will be tested.

Most of the time, a concussion can be diagnosed with this test. However, if a more serious condition, such as bleeding inside the brain, is suspected, a CT scan or MRI scan may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

How is a concussion treated and cured?

The best and most important treatment for a concussion is rest . It is essential to give the brain the time and rest it needs to heal itself.

• Physical rest: Avoid playing sports, lifting weights, and running and jumping completely.
• Mental rest: Stay away from activities that strain your brain for a few days. Limit things like watching TV, using computers and phones, and reading books in the early days. Stay away from bright lights and loud noises.
• Pain management: Take only painkillers prescribed by your doctor for headaches. Never take painkillers such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen without your doctor's advice. They can increase the risk of bleeding. Paracetamol is usually recommended.
• Recovery: As symptoms subside, you can gradually return to normal activities. However, if any activity (e.g., looking at your phone) causes symptoms like headaches to return, stop doing that activity and rest for a while.
• Preventing Re-Injury: If you hit your head again before a concussion has fully healed, the damage can be very serious. Therefore, do not engage in sports or other risky activities until a doctor gives you the OK .

Although a concussion is inevitable, can the risk be reduced?

Although we cannot control the dangers, there are several steps we can take to reduce the risk.

• Wear safety gear: When riding a bike or playing sports like rugby, be sure to wear a properly sized helmet and other safety gear.
• When driving and traveling: Always wear a seat belt. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Home Safety: Be aware of potential slip and fall hazards in your home (e.g., the bathroom). Do not place unnecessary items on the floor. If you have small children, use safety guards on stairs and high windows.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can improve your balance and strength, which can help reduce falls.

concussion, concussion sinhala, oluwa wadinawa, hisaradaya, brain injury, head injury, concussion, head injury, headache, brain injury, sports accidents, child health, first aid