Spring brings warmer weather and more opportunities to get outside and stay active whether that means catching a baseball game at Truist Field in Charlotte or at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Raleigh or during everyday activities like walking your dog at Riverbend Park in Hickory.
With all that activity, minor accidents like trips, falls, or bumps to the head can happen. While many of these moments seem harmless, some can lead to a concussion, and the signs aren’t always obvious right away.
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain moves rapidly inside the skull after a blow to the head or a sudden jolt to the body. This can happen during athletic practices or games, falls, motor vehicle accidents, or other impacts. While many people recover fully, concussions should always be taken seriously and evaluated by a medical professional.
If you think you or someone you know is experiencing a concussion, however mild, visit AFC Urgent Care of North Carolina today!
Symptoms Aren’t Always Immediate
One of the tricky things about concussions is that symptoms can show up later. You might feel fine at first, only to notice headaches, dizziness, or trouble concentrating hours later.
What Symptoms Should You Look For?
Concussions can affect different people in different ways, but common symptoms include:
- Headaches or pressure in the head
- Feeling dizzy or off-balance
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Brain fog or difficulty focusing
- Fatigue
Some people also notice mood changes, like irritability or feeling more emotional than usual.
Signs You Might Notice in Someone Else
If someone else has sustained an injury to their head, watch for:
- Acting confused or forgetful
- Moving awkwardly or losing balance
- Speaking slowly or unclearly
- Seeming unusually quiet or withdrawn
These can be early warning signs of a concussion.
Behavioral Concussion Symptoms in Children
Children may not always explain what they’re feeling, so symptoms can show up as behavior changes instead. Look for:
- More crying or irritability than usual
- Trouble walking or playing normally
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Vomiting
When in doubt, it’s always best to have children checked. Walk in or book online with AFC Urgent Care of North Carolina for quick evaluation.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Some symptoms may indicate a more serious brain injury and require emergency care. Seek immediate emergency medical help if someone experiences:
- Loss of consciousness lasting more than 30 seconds
- Repetitive vomiting
- Severe or worsening headache
- Unequal pupil size
- Fluid coming from the nose or ears
- Slurred speech
- Weakness in extremities
- Seizures
- Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
These symptoms should never be ignored. If you or a child is experiencing any of these symptoms, please visit the closest emergency facility.
Recovery Takes Time
The best thing you can do after a concussion is rest. That means limiting activity, taking breaks from screens, and giving your brain time to recover.
Returning to sports or normal routines too soon can make symptoms worse or prolong recovery.
Don’t Second Guess a Head Injury
If something feels off after a fall or accident, it’s worth getting checked out. Concussions are common but they should always be taken seriously. Contact AFC Urgent Care of North Carolina for quick evaluation and diagnosis with expert care.
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