A head injury can be life-changing, even life-threatening. Unfortunately, many people view head injuries, like concussions, as mild and not worth the time it takes to get evaluated by a doctor or medical professional. However, untreated concussions can lead to significant medical complications and problems down the line.
What happens if a concussion goes untreated? Untreated concussions can cause pain, discomfort, and persistent symptoms that can impact a person’s quality of life and increase their chances of developing cognitive conditions later in life.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury. TBIs are injuries that affect normal brain function and are categorized as mild, moderate, and severe severity. A concussion is an example of a mild traumatic brain injury. Although mild, a concussion can change brain chemistry or cause damage that affects the function of the brain.
Concussions are caused by blunt force trauma, typically an impact or violent blow to the head or body that causes the brain to bounce, hit, or twist inside the skull. Falls, car accidents, and contact sports are some of the most common causes of concussions in the U.S.
Symptoms of Concussion
The problem with mild brain injuries, like concussions, is that signs of an issue may occur immediately and take time to manifest. Some of the most common symptoms of concussion include:
- Pain
- Headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Memory loss
- Delayed responses
- Slurred speech
- Irritability
- Problems concentrating
- Problems sleeping
- Depression
- Sensitivity to light and sound
You should always seek medical attention if you suspect you or someone you love may have suffered a concussion or if you’ve been the victim of an accident, fall, or sports-related injury. Although a concussion is called a “mild” traumatic brain injury, the consequences of leaving a brain injury untreated are not always mild. Children and teens are particularly at risk for complications following an untreated head injury.
What Happens If a Concussion Goes Untreated?
Individuals should take all concussions and potential head injuries exceptionally seriously. The definition of a traumatic brain injury is an injury that affects normal brain function. Any disruption in standard brain function can be significant, especially for older adults and children.
In the short term, an untreated concussion can lead to discomfort, pain, and cognitive issues. Potential consequences can include:
- Persistent or recurring headaches
- Memory issues or brain fog
- Changes in typical sleeping patterns
- Changes in hearing or vision
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Fatigue
Untreated and undiagnosed concussions can also increase the risk of an individual sustaining another concussion. This issue often occurs with sports-related concussions. An individual suffers a concussion, does not seek medical treatment, and then reinjured themselves during their next sporting event. Long-term issues that can occur when a concussion goes untreated can include:
- Chronic pain
- Mood or behavioral changes
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Learning difficulties
- Coordination and balance problems
- Cognitive impairments
One of the most significant and frightening problems with leaving a concussion untreated is that it increases a person’s risk of developing cognitive issues later in life. Research shows that untreated concussions, multiple concussions, and traumatic brain injuries can increase the risk of developing cognitive conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Repeated traumatic brain injuries can also lead to a greater risk of encephalopathy syndrome, or TES, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.
Untreated concussions can disrupt a person’s life, diminish their quality of life, and lead to life-long physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional issues. These issues can make it challenging to form personal and romantic relationships, learn new skills, communicate with others, and start or further a person’s career or academic performance.
Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine Can Help
No matter the cause, the medical team at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine can help diagnose and address concussions and brain injuries. We prioritize your health and well-being and offer many therapeutic options to assist you after an injury. Don’t wait. Contact our office and schedule an appointment now.