What happens if you have an untreated concussion?

A: Concussion left untreated can lead to long-term complications. Potential complications of a concussion include chronic headaches, memory problems, vertigo, and post-concussion syndrome
post-concussion syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a set of symptoms that may continue for weeks, months, or a year or more after a concussion – a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). About 15–30% of people with concussion develop persistent or prolonged symptoms associated with the injury.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Post-concussion_syndrome
, which is headaches, dizziness, mood swings, and brain fog that can continue for months or years after a concussion.
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Can a concussion go away by itself?

Most concussions resolve on their own without any lasting effects. However, some concussions can accompany a more serious injury that requires treatment. Seek emergency treatment if you notice any of the following after a concussion: sudden, intense headaches.
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Can a concussion go away untreated?

If concussions are not treated carefully, symptoms can continue for a longer duration of time. Further, if left untreated, concussion patients are at a greater risk of repeat concussions, which can significantly exacerbate the intensity and duration of symptoms.
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What happens if you get a concussion and don't get it checked?

Lots of people may have a headache or dizziness for a day or so and then recover fully, but a very small group of people who sustain a concussion — five percent — can develop bleeding or a blood clot that can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed.
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Should I go to ER for concussion?

Should I Go to the Hospital for a Concussion? In general, any head injury associated with loss of consciousness, seizures, prolonged confusion or amnesia, neck pain, vomiting or numbness or weakness in arms or legs should be transported to the emergency room in an ambulance right away.
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What happens if a concussion goes untreated? | Norton Sports Health



How can you test for a concussion at home?

Look for:
  1. Changes in day-to-day functioning.
  2. Eye pain and/or eye fatigue.
  3. Headache.
  4. Changes in sleep patterns.
  5. Neck pain or stiffness.
  6. Imbalance, dropping things, bumping into things.
  7. Impaired depth perception (having difficulty seeing the distance between two items)
  8. Difficulty remembering things.
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How long do untreated concussions last?

In most people, symptoms occur within the first seven to 10 days and go away within three months. Sometimes, they can persist for a year or more. The goal of treatment after concussion is to effectively manage your symptoms.
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What are 5 side effects of a concussion?

You may have some symptoms of concussions immediately, and some can occur for days after the injury, such as:
  • Concentration and memory complaints.
  • Irritability and other personality changes.
  • Sensitivity to light and noise.
  • Sleep disturbances.
  • Psychological adjustment problems and depression.
  • Disorders of taste and smell.
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What does an untreated concussion look like?

Some signs—such as trouble concentrating, persistent headaches, sleep problems, dizziness, and vision issues—may be subtle and last for weeks or months following the injury. Keep reading to discover five significant risks of untreated concussions.
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Can a concussion get worse?

Even though your concussion may be mild, its effects can be serious. If you ignore the symptoms, your condition could get worse. That's why you need to see our team at Neurology Consultants of Arizona as soon as possible if you think you have a concussion.
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What are the stages of a concussion?

There are three grades: Grade 1: Mild, with symptoms that last less than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness. Grade 2: Moderate, with symptoms that last longer than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness. Grade 3: Severe, in which the person loses consciousness, sometimes for just a few seconds.
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How do they test you for a concussion?

Your doctor may order imaging tests — such as MRI or CT scans — to make sure there's no bruising or bleeding in your brain. To confirm a concussion diagnosis, your doctor will use the data from your: Exam and interview.
...
The ImPACT test looks at your:
  1. Verbal and visual memory.
  2. Brain processing speed.
  3. Reaction time.
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Can an untreated concussion cause permanent damage?

Getting hit (or falling) hard enough in the head can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI). When left untreated, TBI can lead to negative, long-term physical effects such as an increased risk of Alzheimer's, immediate memory loss, trouble with verbal communication, and trouble reasoning.
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What are the symptoms of a slow brain bleed?

As more blood fills your brain or the narrow space between your brain and skull, other signs and symptoms may appear, such as: Lethargy. Seizures.
...
Seek immediate medical attention after a blow to the head if you:
  • Lose consciousness.
  • Have a persistent headache.
  • Experience vomiting, weakness, blurred vision, unsteadiness.
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Do I need a CT scan after concussion?

Brain scans are usually not helpful for a concussion.

A CT scan takes pictures to create images of the brain. The scan can show if there's a fracture or bleeding. An MRI creates clear images of brain tissue. But these scans cannot show if you have a concussion.
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What are the 4 categories of concussion symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of concussion reported within 1 to 7 days post injury (see Table 3-3) typically fall into four categories—physical (somatic), cognitive, emotional (affective), and sleep—and patients will experience one or more symptoms from one or more categories.
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How long can a concussion affect you?

Concussion recovery and treatment. Approximately 80 percent of concussions resolve over seven to 14 days, with an average of 10 days. People with concussions should never return to sports or other physical activity sooner than one week from sustaining the injury.
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What does concussion headache feel like?

Characteristics: Following a concussion, you can develop a headache that resembles a migraine headache. Pain tends to be in the front of the head area of your forehead or temple. It is commonly described as a 'pounding' or 'throbbing' pain. It is sometimes associated with nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.
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How do you know if your brain is bleeding after hitting your head?

Sharp and painful headaches, along with confusion, are often the first signs of brain bleeding. However, the symptoms often depend on the bleed's location. If you recently suffered from brain trauma and begin experiencing different or worsening symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately.
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Can you go to sleep with a concussion?

Generally, both adults2 and children3 can safely sleep after a concussion, once they have visited their doctor or an emergency room. Although sleeping after a concussion is considered safe, it is more difficult to assess a person's symptoms when they are asleep.
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How long after hitting head can concussion symptoms start?

"For some people, the symptoms after a concussion may not become apparent until later in the day,” says Beth Kolar, advanced clinician at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, part of Main Line Health, who explains that delayed concussion symptoms may present 24 to 48 hours after and injury.
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What are 3 long term effects of a concussion?

Long Term Effects of a Concussion

Trouble concentrating. Memory problems. Irritability and other personality changes. Sensitivity to light and noise.
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What makes a concussion worse?

Ignoring your symptoms and trying to “tough it out” often makes symptoms worse. Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain to heal.
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How do you tell if you don't have a concussion anymore?

A doctor will consider you healed when:
  1. You have no more symptoms.
  2. You regain all your memory and concentration.
  3. You have no symptoms after jogging, sprinting, sit-ups, or push-ups.
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What are the red flag warnings that someone has had a concussion?

“Red Flag” Symptoms To Remember

Increasing confusion. Worsening headache. Vomiting. Double vision or other vision problems.
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