A concussion is a brain injury that affects its normal functionality. After a blow to the head, concussion patients may experience a range of symptoms over a period of time. How long does a concussion last? Depending on the severity of the injury, concussion symptoms can last anywhere from one week to one year. Explore the long term effects of concussions to help get a handle on your concussion diagnosis.
Concussion Diagnosis
If you’ve been hit in the head, in a car accident, or experienced a traumatic fall, you may receive concussion diagnosis afterward. A concussion is considered a minor brain injury but it’s still crucial to receive treatment to ward off any long term effects. Common concussion symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Amnesia or loss of consciousness
It can take hours or days for concussion symptoms to arise, and they may last anywhere from weeks to months. While minor concussions may be able to heal themselves, most require some sort of treatment to aid the recovery process. Ignoring ongoing symptoms can lead to challenging long term effects of concussions.
Long Term Effects of Concussions
For many patients, concussion symptoms may start to go away after six weeks, but for some, the early warning signs can develop into post-concussion syndrome. In addition to the above side effects, ongoing long term effects of concussions can include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory problems
- Noticeable personality changes
- Insomnia and sleep issues
- Loss or change of smell and taste
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues
It’s also important to note that repeated concussions can also deepen the impacts felt by the brain. Experiencing back-to-back concussions without having enough time for the brain to heal in between can cause symptoms to layer on top of each other, creating complex internal issues.
Concussion Therapy
Concussion therapy is a beneficial treatment method post head injury. Working with a physical therapist, you will undergo a series of tests to evaluate your senses, balance, eye movement, and overall musculoskeletal health and alignment. Depending on your particular symptoms, your physical therapist may recommend changes in diet and daily habits, with exercises aiming to enhance your stability while reducing eye strain.
Treat Concussion Symptoms with IMPACT Physical Therapy
At IMPACT Physical Therapy, we help athletes and individuals who’ve experienced traumatic brain injuries ease their symptoms and reduce how long concussions last. To learn more about our treatment options and receive a concussion diagnosis, request an appointment with our knowledgeable team today.
