Symptoms Expanded
Physical
Symptoms can include feeling pressure in the head, vision problems such as blurry or double vision, headache, nausea, vomiting, disruption in balance, dizziness, fatigue, sound and/or light sensitivity, numbness or tingling pain. Many survivors state that they "do not feel right." Real life examples: Bianca, a survivor with blurry vision, is unable to drive to a doctor's appointment. Emotional & Personality Many survivors display unusual or more intense emotions after injury. Some may cry, become irritable or display erratic emotions that were not present in an everyday situation prior to injury. Such alterations in emotion and personality are common for many of those recovering from concussion. Survivors can experience a greater range and depth of emotion including irritability and sadness. It is common for survivors to be described as "more emotional than usual." Many also report nervousness, an increase in impulsivity, aggression, and/or confusion. A common statement from many survivors is that they are "not feeling right." Many experience feeling frustrated or upset because of implications to cognitive abilities, such as memory recall. Emotional changes can have overall effects on decision making and behavior. Long term, changes in personality and perception can occur. Real life examples: Unlike previous phone calls to the internet service provider, a miscommunication causes Heather to yell at the service agent. Lifestyle Concussion and post concussion syndrome can change the entire lifestyle of a survivor. Alongside the necessary requirements of rest and sleep, increased sensitivity to light and sound (and even smell) can exacerbate a headache, ultimately forcing a survivor into the sanctuary of the bedroom for dark and silence. Problems with eye tracking, blurred vision, fatigue, headache or memory loss can prevent a survivor from driving a car, from attending classes or working. Extended periods of isolation due to loss of sensory filters and needed rest can make survivors feel distant or disconnected from others. Unusual emotional outbursts can also create a wedge between friends and family, leaving the survivor without a support system. Being unable to remember important information can impact everything from logging onto social media to filing taxes. The impact of concussion can affect a survivor in many areas of his or her lifestyle in the short term and lasting. Real life examples: Unable to look at the computer screen or drive to the accountant's office, Greg was unable to file his income taxes. |
Cognitive (Thinking)
Survivors' thoughts are often described as foggy, groggy or hazy. It is common to feel slowed down, confused or unable to think. Many report difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering, a lack of clear thoughts and/or slowed or inhibited memory recall. Some survivors have difficulty reading or writing. Aphasia can also occur Real life examples: "I have a Masters in Business- I'm smart! Why can't I remember what I did a few hours ago?" "I just studied this entire chapter and can't remember anything for the test." Sleep Feeling drowsy, fatigued, and/or tired is often reported by those who sustain a concussion. Sleep disturbances are also common, reporting extreme sleeplessness or the desire to sleep much more than usual. Additionally, many survivors also have experienced trouble falling asleep. Sleep complications and restlessness can further exasperate the condition of concussion beyond symptoms such as physical fatigue, emotional upset and/or cognitive implications like memory loss. Sleep and rest are critical for the recovery process of survivors. Real life examples: Despite laying in bed for hours, Rene was unable to sleep or rest comfortably. Relationships
Not only can concussions have lasting impacts on the survivors themselves, but also on their relationships with friends, family and colleagues. Survivors can be prone to feelings of isolation and depression for a variety of factors, one of which can be caused by the loss of a support system. Because many survivors appear "normal" on the outside and do not always display physical signs of trauma, others may not recognize the total impact of concussion on a survivor's wellbeing. Others can be under the impression that recovery from concussion is a swift process and comes without lasting complications. As many people do not fully understand the condition's overall effect on the survivor or his/her quality of life, it is not uncommon for friends and family to miss the importance of aiding a survivor. Without support, it is clear why self-confinement in dark, quiet environments can sometimes create feelings of sadness in addition to the overall experience of isolation. Real life examples: Lucia was unable to leave home to attend the party due to sensitivity to light and sound. |
"You look Ok"
All too many times we have heard: "Well, aren't you feeling better by NOW?" or "It is only a concussion." or "You look OK."
Some professionals have referred to concussion as an 'invisible illness,' a disease that does not physically manifest such as a broken bone or a wound, but causes pain and discomfort for the afflicted. With concussion, the symptoms can come and go: a survivor may have mild or no symptoms whatsoever and then become incapacitated from painful symptoms such as exhaustion, disorientation, headache or blurred vision.
Recurrent symptoms can be something many survivors experience, especially those recovering from post concussion syndrome. Some days, a survivor may look OK, but on other days the debilitating symptoms can reemerge. Those who do not see the survivor frequently may not recognize the inconsistent effects of the condition on the survivor and believe that symptoms are completely abated.
Just as concussion itself impacts the brain on a cellular level, undetectable by medical scans, likewise, the symptoms of injury can also remain unseen by others who do not experience the condition firsthand.
Some professionals have referred to concussion as an 'invisible illness,' a disease that does not physically manifest such as a broken bone or a wound, but causes pain and discomfort for the afflicted. With concussion, the symptoms can come and go: a survivor may have mild or no symptoms whatsoever and then become incapacitated from painful symptoms such as exhaustion, disorientation, headache or blurred vision.
Recurrent symptoms can be something many survivors experience, especially those recovering from post concussion syndrome. Some days, a survivor may look OK, but on other days the debilitating symptoms can reemerge. Those who do not see the survivor frequently may not recognize the inconsistent effects of the condition on the survivor and believe that symptoms are completely abated.
Just as concussion itself impacts the brain on a cellular level, undetectable by medical scans, likewise, the symptoms of injury can also remain unseen by others who do not experience the condition firsthand.