Concussion headaches can vary in location, however they typically occur on both sides of the head, or in the front of the head. They may feel like a dull ache or a throbbing pressure and can grow worse with physical activity or when you cough, sneeze or even change positions.
Generally, people who experience concussion headaches feel pain near their temples, behind their eyes, in the neck, or at the back of the neck. The pain may also spread throughout the entire head. In most cases, the headaches improve with rest and may even go away completely as the brain heals.
Table of Contents
How do you tell if your headache is from a concussion?
If you think you may have experienced a head injury or concussion, it is important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. In the meantime, it is helpful to evaluate the type of headache you are experiencing to try and determine whether it is associated with a concussion.
A concussion-related headache is typically steady and may get worse over time. It is often characterized as a pressure-like sensation around the head, and may be accompanied by neck pain and sensitivity to light, sound, and movement.
Other symptoms of concussion may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes difficulty sleeping.
If you have any of these symptoms in addition to the headache, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A healthcare professional will likely perform a physical examination, as well as order tests such as a CT scan or MRI to evaluate for a concussion.
Once a diagnosis of concussion is made, the healthcare provider will advise on treatment options and prognosis.
How to tell the difference between a headache and a concussion?
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a headache and a concussion, but there are some key differences to look out for. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that affects the brain’s functioning.
Common signs of a concussion include headaches, changes in personality and behavior, confusion, memory loss, lethargy, balance issues, and slurred speech. A headache, although it can accompany a concussion, is usually a symptom of a more minor injury or illness.
Symptoms of a headache usually include pain in the head, neck, and shoulders, nausea, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light or sound. It is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have a concussion, as it can have long-term effects.
A healthcare provider or doctor can properly diagnose a concussion by evaluating the patient’s symptoms and most likely suggesting a CT scan or MRI. It is important to get treated right away if you think you may have suffered a head injury, as prompt treatment can reduce the long-term effects of a concussion.
How do I check myself for a concussion?
To check yourself for a concussion, you should observe both physical and mental symptoms. Physically, symptoms of a mild to moderate concussion can include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, balance problems, double or blurry vision, sensitivity to light and noise, and feeling sluggish, drowsy, or forgetting how to do everyday tasks.
Mental symptoms of a concussion can include feeling confused, not being able to concentrate, being slow to answer questions, and having slurred speech.
To check for a concussion, take note of any of these symptoms that you may be experiencing. If you are feeling any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your doctor for a diagnosis, as having an accurate diagnosis for a concussion is the best way to ensure you receive appropriate treatment.
Treatment for a concussion can include rest and relaxation, as well as physical and cognitive exercises specific to your injury and symptoms.
What will a doctor do for a concussion?
A doctor will do a number of things to treat a concussion, the most important of which is to monitor the patient’s symptoms. They will ask questions about the patient’s medical history and any symptoms they are experiencing.
They will typically perform a physical and neurological exam to determine if there is any physical damage that has occurred. Depending on the severity of the concussion, they may recommend medical imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, to further assess the injury.
The doctor may also prescribe medications to help with any headache, pain, or nausea associated with a concussion. The doctor may also recommend rest and limit activity, as this can help speed up the recovery process.
In some cases, the doctor may refer the patient to a specialist or therapist to help guide them through their recovery. A therapist or psychologist can help identify any cognitive changes that have occurred as a result of the injury and help establish new coping strategies.
Overall, the doctor’s primary focus is on monitoring the patient’s symptoms and ensuring that they are improving. If the patient’s symptoms do not resolve or worsen over time, the doctor may refer the patient to a specialist for further treatment.
When should I worry about a headache from a concussion?
When it comes to a headache that is associated with a concussion, it is important to be aware of how long the headache lasts and what other symptoms you are experiencing. If the headache lasts for more than a few hours and is accompanied by other symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Symptoms like these can be indicative of a serious concussion. Also be sure to monitor your headache for any changes in intensity, as a worsening headache may be indicative of intracranial bleeding or other serious injury.
Why won’t my concussion headache go away?
Unfortunately, it can take a long time for the symptoms associated with concussion headaches, such as ongoing pain and lingering sensitivity to light and noise, to subside. Concussions, even mild ones, can cause severe inflammation in the brain, which can, in turn, cause persistent headaches.
If your concussion-related headache isn’t going away within a couple of weeks, then it’s important to seek medical attention. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment, which might include medications to reduce inflammation, physical therapy to reduce symptoms, or follow-up scans.
In rare cases, in-depth neurological testing may be required. Additionally, making lifestyle adjustments such as reducing stress and making small changes to increase sleep quality can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with concussion headaches and aid the healing process.
Do concussion headaches come and go?
Yes, concussion headaches typically come and go. They may get worse with certain activities and better with rest. Concussion headaches can often be the first sign of a concussion and may occur shortly after the concussion or up to several weeks or even months later.
The headache may start as a dull ache before progressing into a throbbing or constant pain. The intensity and frequency of the headaches can vary greatly from person to person. Symptoms typically resolve as the brain heals and the individual begins recovery from the concussion.
It is important to note that some individuals may experience persistent headaches or even chronic headaches which can persist beyond the typical concussion recovery period. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention to explore possible treatment options.
How long does it take for your brain to fully heal after a concussion?
The amount of time it takes for the brain to fully heal after a concussion depends on a variety of factors including the severity of the injury, the individual’s age and physical health, and the amount of time the person is given to rest and recover.
Generally, most people with a mild concussion experience complete recovery within 7 to 10 days with proper rest and careful monitoring of symptoms. However, more severe and complicated cases of concussion can take weeks or even months to heal and require extensive rehabilitation.
During this time, it is important to get lots of rest, avoid physical and mental tasks, and follow any guidelines that your doctor provides. People who experience multiple concussions can have longer recovery periods due to the risk of prolonged symptoms and long-term neurological damage.
It is important to understand that the healing process of a concussion can be unpredictable and can vary significantly among individuals. Therefore, it is essential to have patience and adhere to medical advice to ensure a full recovery.
How do you recover from a concussion headache?
Recovering from a concussion headache can be a long and complex process, as every individual can have different symptoms, lasting for various lengths of time. The most important thing to remember is that it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s advice, as well as to take into account your own individual needs in order to ensure the best outcomes.
If possible, it may be beneficial to take some time away from normal activities and to rest – both physically and mentally – while the body recovers; however, this should only be done under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Managing any pain associated with a concussion headache is paramount. Pain should be managed with prescribed medications, following your healthcare provider’s advice, as well as other therapies such as massage and/or hot/cold packs.
It is also important to incorporate relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, Tai Chi, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation, which can help to reduce stress and help restore healthy sleep patterns.
Eating nutritious meals and drinking plenty of fluids can help to nourish the brain and body, and can also help to nourish the mind.
It is also essential to take it slow when it comes to your return to everyday activities, even after symptoms have started to improve. This slow and methodical return should include both mental and physical activities, in order to minimise the potential risk of re-injury and/or a relapse in symptoms.
Exercise can be beneficial as it helps to improve circulation and encourages the flow of oxygen to the brain, however, only do so under the advice of your healthcare provider, and make sure to increase the intensity of exercise very gradually.
Finally, if the headache starts to become worse, immediately seek medical advice.
How long after hitting head can concussion symptoms start?
The time frame in which concussion symptoms start after a head injury can vary greatly. It is possible to have symptoms start immediately after the trauma, or they might not appear until days or even weeks later.
Common signs and symptoms of a concussion may include headache, confusion, memory problems, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, blurry vision, balance issues, ringing in the ears, fatigue, and sensitivity to light and sound.
It’s important to pay attention to any changes in thinking, concentration, and physical symptoms after a head injury and seek professional help if any symptoms worsen or persist.
What is the 3 concussions rule?
The 3 concussion rule is a policy designed to reduce the risk of concussion in youths and young adult athletes. The policy imposes restrictions on when an athlete can return to sports activity within a given time period based on the number of concussions they have sustained.
For example, under the 3 concussion rule, if an athlete has sustained three concussions in the same season, they will be suspended from participating in sports activity for the remainder of that season.
If a fourth concussion is sustained, they will be withheld from sports activity for at least one calendar year.
The 3 concussion rule is just one part of a larger effort to minimize the risk of concussion for youth and young adults. Other components include education about the signs of concussion, the proper equipment needed for specific sports, and the importance of immediate medical attention for any athlete who has sustained a head injury.
With the 3 concussion rule and additional safety measures in place, athletes can enjoy sports participation with greater confidence that their well-being is being safeguarded.
What are 3 delayed symptoms of a concussion?
Three delayed symptoms of a concussion may include cognitive impairment, emotional disturbances, and sleep disturbances.
Cognitive impairment may manifest in difficulty with memory, attention, concentration, executive functioning, problem solving, thinking abstractly, mental processing speed, and reading comprehension.
Emotional disturbances may include irritability, depression, apathy, anxiety, aggression, and difficulty regulating emotions.
Sleep disturbances may include insomnia, increased or decreased need for sleep, and poor quality sleep.
What happens if a concussion goes untreated?
If a concussion goes untreated, it can have long-term effects on both physical and cognitive health. The initial symptoms of a concussion, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion, can last for days, weeks, or even months.
Long-term effects of a concussion can include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, reduced balance and coordination, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and even sleep disturbances. From a physical health standpoint, long-term effects can include chronic headaches, vision and hearing problems, and difficulty with speech.
Over time, these effects can interfere with a person’s ability to lead a normal life and can increase the risk for psychological and behavioral problems. There is also the risk for further injury to occur if an untreated concussion goes unnoticed and activities that may result in contact or injury continue to be performed.
It is essential to seek medical advice from a qualified health professional and seek prompt treatment if an individual experiences symptoms of a concussion.
Can a concussion go away by itself?
Yes, a concussion can go away by itself, but it should be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible. The symptoms caused by a concussion may dissipate on their own, but the injury should still be monitored to ensure that healing has occurred completely and properly.
In some cases, a concussion can cause long-term damage, so it is important to seek medical help right away. A doctor will typically do a physical exam, evaluate brain imaging tests and ask questions about the patient’s symptoms in order to make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan.
Treatment for a concussion typically consists of rest, avoiding activities that cause symptoms to worsen, and possibly taking medications or performing exercises designed to improve balance and coordination.
It is important to follow the guidelines provided by your doctor during the recovery period in order to ensure that the concussion is managed safely and properly.
