It is important to put safety at the top of your priority list every time; however, there are situations where accidents and injuries can happen. If you have suffered a concussion, you might be wondering if you need to go to the ER following the injury. Take a look at a few of the most common causes of concussions below, and make sure to seek the care of an ER doctor when appropriate.
The Most Common Causes of Concussions
Similar to other medical issues, there are lots of possible causes of concussions. Some of the most common examples include:
- Auto Accidents: In a motor vehicle accident, you might strike your head on the steering wheel, window, or dashboard. This could lead to a concussion.
- Sports Injuries: Both contact and non-contact sports can lead to an injury. If you collide with another player, or if you suffer a serious fall, you could end up with a concussion.
- Physical Assaults: If you are attacked, you might suffer a concussion. A blow to the head with a fist or an object could lead to a concussion.
- Slip and Fall: If you suffer a slip and fall injury, you could end up with a concussion as well. You could slip and fall backward, striking your head on the ground.
These are just a few of the most common causes of a concussion.
The Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
There are a few possible signs and symptoms you might experience if you have a concussion. A few examples include:
- You might have a severe headache.
- You could feel a bit dizzy.
- You might lose consciousness.
- You could develop nausea or vomiting.
- You might experience blurry vision.
- You might develop confusion or disorientation about where you are or what you are doing.
Keep in mind that not everyone is going to experience these symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, you might be wondering if you need to go to the ER.
When Do You Need To Go To The ER for a Concussion?
There are a few situations where you need to visit the ER for a concussion. If you experience any changes in consciousness, or if you pass out completely, you should head to the ER and seek the care of an emergency medical professional. In addition, if you develop nausea or vomiting, you need to seek the care of an ER doctor as well. Finally, if you experience any confusion about where you are or what you are doing, you should head to the emergency room.
How To Care for a Concussion at Home
If you end up caring for your concussion at home, the most important thing to remember is that you need to keep your eyes open for the symptoms discussed above. If there is any change in your condition, you need to go to the ER. Even if you don’t go to the emergency room, you should follow up with your primary care doctor at home. While at home, put yourself at brain rest. This means limiting external stimuli as much as possible. No TV channels, no homework, no phone use, and no computer use until all of your symptoms go away.
Rely on CapRock Health for All Emergency Medical Needs
Ultimately, no matter how serious the blow to the head might have been, you need to seek the care of a medical professional. In some situations, this might even deserve the attention of an ER doctor. If you find yourself needing an ER doctor following a blow to the head, be sure to rely on the team from CapRock Health. We are proud to give you access to some of the best ER doctors in the field, and we are proud to work with some of the best ER nurses as well. Contact us today with any questions or concerns.