Long Term Concussion Symptoms
- Cognition. Patients often lose the ability to think clearly, concentrate, pay attention and remember new and old information. They will also feel that their thinking capacities are being slowed down.
- Physical. Symptoms include chronic and acute headaches, blurry or fuzzy or vision, double vision, constant fatigue, dizziness, problems in maintaining balance, and sensitivity to noise and light.Patients will also have changes and problems in sleeping like sleeping more or less than usual and have a hard time in falling asleep. Changes in sex drive, slurred speech and ringing in the ears are also part of the symptoms of long term concussion along with decreased senses of smell and taste.
- Emotions. Patients will usually get upset and angry easily, will often feel sad without any reason, be very emotional, and are always nervous and anxious. Irritability, mood swings, inability to manage stress and alcohol intake, lack of motivation, impulsiveness, and loss of social judgment can also be observed.
- Young children with concussions will also display long term symptoms like headaches, frequent temper tantrums, loss of new skills like toilet training, trouble in walking, cannot pay attention, loses interest in favorite toys or activities and changes in the normal way he or she acts, plays, acts, nurse, sleep or eat.
Long Term Concussion Treatment
Doctors often recommend proper rest since it is considered as the best step to recover from a concussion and manage long-term symptoms. Below are some other tips that patients can do:
- Always make it a point to get plenty of rest during the night and make sure to take it easy during day time.
- Avoid using illegal drugs and drinking beverages with alcohol content.
- Never take any medicines that are not prescribed by the doctor.
- Minimize or totally avoid activities that are both physically and mentally demanding like household chores, long use of the computer, playing video games, schoolwork and even reading a book in just one seating.
- Always ask the doctor’s go signal if planning to drive a car, operate machinery, or ride a bike.
- When swelling can be observed, it is best to apply a cold pack on the affected area for ten to twenty minutes at a time. Remember to wrap the cold pack with a thin cloth or just place one between the skin and the cold pack.
- Always use pain medicine or antidepressants as directed by the doctor.
- Behavioral as well as physical therapy are often used to deal with some symptoms such as loss of balance and attention problems.