Not every one of us will be able to distinguish a simple bruise from a concussion and promptly take the necessary actions. It is very important to provide first aid to the victim in case of a head injury, because unpleasant consequences without timely measures taken can accompany a person for many years to come. In this article, we will look at how to recognize a concussion, symptoms and treatment.
What is this?
Mild concussion is characterized by short-term malfunction of the central nervous system, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, severe headache, all this can be caused by serious bruises or head trauma.
No one is immune from such an injury. It can easily be obtained in domestic conditions in case of a fall or simple careless movement, in an accident, during sports events, in dangerous working conditions, etc. Such situations happen much more often during the cold period of time on the street, due to the fact that people slip on ice. Soit is important to know what to do with a mild concussion, not only in times of need, but simply for first aid.
When a concussion occurs, cellular metabolism is disturbed, blood vessels are damaged, there is a failure in the supply of gray matter, and hemorrhage may develop.
Degrees
There are 3 main degrees of concussion. In the event of a head injury or suspected mild concussion, all possible symptoms should be weighed.
The stages of a mild concussion can be characterized as follows:
- In the first degree, a slight fainting occurs, the condition returns to normal within 20-30 minutes.
- At the second degree of concussion, there is disorientation in space for a while.
- At the 3rd degree there is a loss of consciousness for a short period. Usually the victim does not remember what happened to him.
Characteristic signs may not appear immediately, but after a day or quite a long time, perhaps even a week.
At any manifestation of a concussion, the victim should be examined by a doctor. An inexperienced person may mistake a concussion for a bruise, and this can aggravate the situation. Even the slightest injury can cause the development of a hematoma.
Characteristic symptoms
In the mild concussion stage, the following symptoms may be observed:
- momentary loss of consciousness or clouded mind;
- headache;
- nosebleed;
- a sharp risetemperature;
- mental and motor retardation;
- incoherent speech;
- disorientation in space;
- nausea, vomiting;
- fatigue;
- lack of appetite;
- poor concentration;
- sleep disorder;
- weakness;
- convulsions;
- loss of coordination;
- changing pupil size;
- ringing in the ears.
Obvious external signs include pallor, sweating, bodily injury.
As a rule, after a short period of time it becomes clear that the injury requires treatment. After the examination, the doctor advises whether it is possible to treat a mild concussion at home, or whether it is necessary to go to the hospital. In any case, specialist advice is necessary.
In addition to the main signs of a mild concussion, some clinical manifestations can be observed:
- Pain in the eyes in bright light.
- Impaired vision. The victim has a blurry vision of the environment and people.
- Split objects in the eyes.
- Cold hands.
- Short-term amnesia.
- Head throbbing pain.
- Drowsy state.
Young children show signs such as:
- sluggishness;
- unsteady walking;
- tearfulness;
- fatigue;
- indifference to games;
- confusion.
First Aid
Need to know what to do for a mild concussionbrain to promptly provide assistance to the victim:
- Call an ambulance immediately.
- If a person has lost consciousness, he should be laid on his side, his knees bent and his hands under his head. Adopting this position is necessary because vomiting may begin.
- Place a hard object under your head.
- Treat and bandage wounds if needed.
- Ensure a calm environment until the doctors arrive.
- Do not leave the victim unattended in this condition.
If the victim is conscious, relieve his condition as follows:
- Remove clothing that may impede breathing or interfere with the body (tie, belt, scarf, etc.);
- Apply a cooling object or ice to the head
- Don't give water, it can cause nausea. In extreme cases, you can offer sweet cool tea.
- Transport to a medical facility.
Treatment
Treatment involves an adult patient in a hospital bed for 10 to 21 days, depending on the extent of the injury. For a child, the treatment time is usually extended to 30 days. When a person is shaken, they cannot tolerate external stimuli, such as light or loud sound, so they should always be calm.
Which medicines for mild concussion should be taken by the patient is determined by the doctor, regardless of where the victim is being treated. Patient Behavioroften becomes different: he can be irritable and lethargic, can suffer from insomnia and quickly overwork, so antidepressants and sedatives are often prescribed. Also, the patient should be recommended relaxation procedures, prescribe a massage course and prescribe a vitamin complex to restore brain cells. Tranquilizers are used to eliminate headaches. When prescribing a diet, sugary foods, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine are excluded.
During drug therapy, you will need to undergo a diagnosis. These are X-ray, MRI, ophthalmography, EEG.
Treatment at home
Experienced specialists should monitor the condition of the victim, so it would be better if he was admitted to the hospital.
But if, after the examination, the doctors allowed the victim to be treated at home, it is necessary to protect him from devices that create noise (TV, radio, computer). He is also categorically not recommended to engage in reading and physical activity.
In this case, bed rest must be observed. Nothing should interfere with a peaceful rest and a long sleep. It is also recommended to take sedatives and herbal infusions with the permission of a doctor. In addition, you must follow a plant-based diet with no s alt.
After such an incident, precautions should not be neglected. First of all, you should avoid traumatic situations, take care of your head, wear a helmet while riding a bicycle or scooter, observe safety measures in cars, at home, placefurniture in such a way that there is no possibility of bumping or tripping.
Drugs
The main drugs for mild concussion in adults are:
- "Cinnarizine";
- "Piracetam";
- "Pyriditol";
- "Instenon";
- "Nicotinate";
- "Xanthinol";
- amino acids.
What medications are prescribed for mild concussion in children? Here are some of them:
- "Diacarb";
- "Furosemide";
- "Panangin";
- "Piracetam";
- "Phenozepam" (for sedative purposes);
- "Sedalgin", "Baralgin" (painkillers);
- "Cerucal" (elimination of nausea);
- vitamins.
Painkiller:
- "Analgin";
- "Pentalgin";
- "Sedalgin";
- "Ketorolac".
To restore the nervous system and support the nutrition of brain cells:
- "Glycine";
- "Piracetam";
- "Nootropil";
- "Pantogan".
To strengthen blood vessels and normalize metabolism:
- "Vasotropin";
- "Cavinton";
- "Teonikol".
To reduce swelling and intracranial pressure:
- Potassium preparations;
- "Diacarb";
- "Furosemide";
- "Arifon".
To eliminate dizziness and nausea:
- "Tanakan";
- "Platifillin";
- "Papaverine".
Helps to cope with insomnia and relieve stress:
- valerian;
- "Corvalol";
- motherwort.
Sleeping pills:
- "Relaxon";
- "Donarmil".
Tranquilizers:
- "Adaptol";
- "Phenazepam";
- "Elenium";
- "Nozepam".
And you should also take B vitamins.
Traditional medicine
Together with taking the basic medicines prescribed by the doctor, traditional medicine recipes are often resorted to. During rehabilitation, it is very useful to use aloe vera juice, which helps to restore the normal state. It is also recommended to take ginseng, string and cinquefoil. The pharmacy will be able to advise a set of medicinal herbs, as well as help mild concussion. What to do with these fees? Brew and consume the decoction inside.
With light concussions, a special infusion helps. To do this, you need only 10 g of thyme. It should be poured with boiling water and brought to 95 degrees, but without boiling. Next, you should cool the grass and strain. Take 100 ml before meals for several months.
Characteristics of pathology
With a concussion (according to ICD 10 code S06.0), the following distinguishing features may appear:
- weakness of the whole organism;
- pain in the eyes;
- changing breath;
- pulse variability;
- puffiness;
- memory loss;
- sudden excitability;
- attack of sudden aggression;
- violation of logical thinking;
- sharp emotional swings.
In severe cases, there may be contusion, bleeding from the ears and nose. Despite such a serious condition, concussion is the mildest injury in a closed head injury.
The consequences of such an injury are not comforting, it can cause severe complications and lead to hematoma, stroke, edema, depending on the severity. Here, in a mandatory case, the victim must be hospitalized. Concussion severity, symptoms, and treatment should be investigated by he althcare professionals.
Recommendations
What to do with a mild concussion during rehabilitation?
The main recommendation is to observe the daily routine. In order for he alth to recover as quickly as possible, it is necessary to observe bed rest for at least 5 days. You should take sick leave for 12-14 days to fully return to normal.
Many are wondering if it is possible to walk with a mild concussion? At first, of course, it is undesirable, and it is best to do this in the presence of loved ones in order to be always in sight. Movement should be minimal, just for the sake of satisfactionimportant needs.
You can listen to music, but not with headphones. Also, at first, entertainment that has a strong effect on the eyes should be abandoned. Avoid cell phones, video games and TV viewing.
During this period, it is strongly recommended not to be subjected to emotional stress. You can not worry, be nervous, participate in lengthy conversations, enter into conflicts.
The room should have subdued lights and covered windows if sunlight interferes.
If you follow all the recommendations, your he alth will begin to improve in 2-3 days. Even if the victim returned to normal after a short time, he needs to lie down in bed for at least 5-7 days.
Effects of a slight concussion
If you do not carry out a full treatment, then the victim may be accompanied by regular depressive states, unreasonable anxiety, and systematic headaches. He may suffer from decreased concentration and complain of memory loss.
With the slightest improvement in well-being, people can immediately begin their daily duties, any activity or return to work. It is important to understand that even a mild concussion may appear later, but in the form of various physical ailments.
The consequences are fraught with sleep disturbance and complicated psycho-emotional states. Often vision is reduced, there is a decrease in mental activity and many other negative disorders, accompanied bychronic irritability.
Now you know what to do with a mild concussion, how to help yourself or another victim.
