A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately, some people confuse the word “mild” with “not serious.” The truth is that multiple concussions, even “mild” ones, can significantly impact long-term brain health, leading to physical and mental complications and the development of severe mental health conditions later in life.
How Multiple Concussions Impact Long-Term Brain Health
Multiple concussions can have cumulative and lasting effects on overall brain health, especially as a person ages. While a single concussion may fully heal with proper care, repeated head injuries–particularly those that occur within short time frames or go untreated–lead to an increased risk of permanent neurological, cognitive, and emotional consequences.
Athletes are particularly susceptible to the cumulative effects of multiple concussions, especially those who started playing contact sports at an early age. One of the brain conditions linked to repeated head trauma and multiple concussions is chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE.
Several cases of the disorder have been identified in former athletes, especially football players and boxers. CTE can cause problems with concentration, impulsive behaviors, and aggression, as well as memory loss, physical coordination, and suicidal thoughts.
Multiple concussions and head trauma have also been linked to a higher likelihood of conditions related to cognitive decline. Some studies indicate that multiple mild traumatic brain injuries, like concussions, can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia later in life.
Other long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries can include:
- Cumulative cognitive decline – Individuals may experience higher rates of memory loss, reduced attention span, and difficulties processing information or problem-solving.
- Higher likelihood of mental health conditions – Repeated concussions may also increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and personality changes.
- Post–concussion syndrome – PCS are concussion symptoms that last months after the initial injury and may be more common in individuals with past concussions or head injuries.
- Neurological disorders – In addition to an increased risk of cognitive decline, multiple concussions may also lead to a higher incidence of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Repeated head trauma may also cause balance and coordination issues and increase an individual’s vulnerability to future brain injuries.
Protecting Your Brain Health
Repeated injuries can change how the brain functions and ages, increasing the risk of lifelong impairment. Therefore, it is critical to prioritize prevention, proper recovery, and medical oversight for long-term brain health. Here are some proactive steps you can take to protect brain health and help mitigate the long-term consequences of multiple concussions:
- Seek medical attention – Step one in protecting brain health is to seek medical attention for a suspected concussion immediately. All suspected head injuries should be evaluated and monitored by a medical professional.
- Understand concussion protocols – Whether your teen is a student-athlete, you are playing in a professional league, or you’ve joined the military, nearly all organizations now have strict concussion protocols. Learn about these protocols and what to do following a hit, accident, or head injury.
- Learn about the signs of concussion – One of the primary reasons concussions go untreated and undiagnosed is that people don’t know the symptoms of a mild head injury and consequently don’t know when to seek treatment. Head trauma can occur even when an individual doesn’t lose consciousness. Familiarize yourself with the signs of head trauma, which can include dizziness, confusion, mood changes, and general fuzziness.
- Prioritize rest and recovery – Like any other bodily structure or system, the brain needs time and rest to heal after an injury. Take it easy and prioritize recovery before returning to high-risk activities to prevent further brain trauma.
- Regular medical evaluations – If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a concussion, continued medical intervention and evaluations can help you manage pain and prevent future injuries. Specialized neuropsychological assessments may also be beneficial.
Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine Can Get You Back in the Game
A concussion won’t just take you out of the game. Over time, multiple concussions can reduce your quality of life and significantly impact your physical and mental health. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we aim to provide comprehensive treatment options that prioritize your immediate health concerns and help you prevent future injuries and medical complications.
Contact our office today and schedule an appointment.