Use Your Head
One area we consistently overlook is the head injury.
Closed or open head injuries can be extremely serious and unlike fractures that may heal in time, the effects of these injuries are long lasting and not easily cured. People endure concussions without realizing it until the effects play out after. What to do? According to Concussions Ontario, there is a lack of awareness about concussions immediately after a trauma.
Therefore, people can go undiagnosed while priority is given to more obvious injuries.
This is despite the fact the Ontario Brain Injury Association estimates 40% of brain injuries happen as a result of a motor vehicle accident. The problem is most people after an accident are concerned about treating painful injuries. If you break your leg, you forget about your cognitive issues because you want to tend to your leg.
It is also worth noting that you do not have to lose consciousness to sustain a head injury. The Ontario Brain Injury Association estimates 82% of people who suffer a brain injury actually lose consciousness.
If you have been injured in an accident and have continued memory loss problems, other cognitive symptoms, go to your doctor immediately. Describe your injuries in great detail and do not downplay them. If your doctor is not helping you, see a specialist. Do not let the injury go undiagnosed.
Concussions and head injuries are very serious; however if you do not tell your treating practitioner all of your symptoms, a concussion can fall under the radar. Only by sharing information do you get a solution.