Call NowCan You Get a Concussion Without Hitting Your Head?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that is caused by an external force that causes the brain to twist or shake inside the skull resulting in a change to the victim’s brain chemistry and potentially impairing brain function.
A strong blow to the body can easily result in a concussion too, even if the heat itself is not impacted directly.
Our accident care team at Impact Medical Zephyrhills explores common ways in which a concussion can occur without hitting your head, and what you should know about healing from this injury.
Common Causes of Concussions Without Hitting Your Head
Our bodies can sustain impacts, blows, and jolts in numerous circumstances, any of which can cause a concussion.
These might include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, especially front-end or rear-end collisions
- Falls from heights or onto hard surfaces
- High impact sports
- Explosions or concussive blasts
- Physical assaults that involve hitting, shaking, or pushing
Concussions from Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when a person’s neck is thrown back-and-forth during an accident. Since the violent back and forth movement causes the head and the brain to experience the same thing, concussions usually occur alongside whiplash.
Concussion and whiplash symptoms are often similar, so make sure to get an evaluation from a doctor to determine if you have a concussion or not.
Signs and Symptoms of Concussions
The most common symptom that you might have after a concussion is a headache. But other symptoms might include:
- Memory loss
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Confusion or brain fog
- Loss of consciousness
- Mood swings
- Dizziness
- Altered sleep
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained drowsiness
These symptoms can appear within a few minutes after sustaining an injury, even if you haven’t hit your head. Sometimes, these symptoms might not manifest for days or weeks after the incident too.
To be sure that your symptoms are the result of a concussion, you should speak with a doctor at Impact Medical Zephyrhills so we can determine if you are suffering from a concussion or another underlying issue.
Bottom line: If you think you may have a concussion—even if you didn’t hit your head—seek a medical examination immediately.
Testing for a Concussion
One of the best ways to know if you have a concussion is to explain to your doctor what happened before you started to experience symptoms.
Your doctor may test you for neurological issues including:
- Eye movement
- Reaction to light
- Coordination
- Memory
Often an MRI or CT scan is not necessary for a concussion as these tests do not show that a concussion occurred. These imaging tests might be used if your concussion is severe or your doctor worries that you have swelling or bleeding in the brain.
Treating Concussions
It is important to seek treatment for concussions because untreated concussions can have lifelong concussions. Here are some common ways to treat a concussion:
- Take over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin according to the directions unless otherwise instructed by a doctor
- Drink ample water as people who are adequately hydrated are better equipped to heal
- Get rest for a least the first three days after an injury, try to rest as much as possible
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Minimize visual stimulation from TVs, phones, and other devices
- Chiropractic therapy can help manage the symptoms of a concussion
Concussion Treatment
If you have a concussion, it is imperative to get treatment as quickly as possible. Our team at Impact Medical Zephyrhills is equipped to offer comprehensive post-accident treatment, chiropractic care, and pain therapy for those suffering from a concussion following an accident.
Call us today to schedule an appointment with Impact Medical Zephyrhills; (813) 706-5156!
