by Savannah Peters, ATC

Concussions are a type of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) caused by a fall, bump or blow to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. A concussion can cause a temporary loss of consciousness, but not always. If you or someone you know suspects they have sustained a concussion it’s necessary to see a medical provider right away. 

At Work Right, we figured it was a no-brainer to fill your brain with all of the signs and symptoms of concussions, how to manage them, and to keep you PREPARED to avoid them outright!

Concussions In The Workplace

– Approximately 1 in 4 Traumatic Brain Injuries happen in the workplace (and this is likely lower than what is actually reported). TBI’s are most commonly caused by falls, being struck by falling objects, or motor vehicle accidents.

– These accidents can be prevented! If we brush up on our PREPARED principles; R, Review your Hazards and E, Evaluate your Equipment for the job, we have the opportunity to intervene and protect ourselves and others before accidents occur.

Signs and Symptoms

If a traumatic brain injury does occur, the effects can be serious and it is important to understand the signs and symptoms.

 

Recovery

Here are some things to keep in mind as you recover from a TBI (aka concussion):

– Symptoms can last days, weeks, or sometimes months after the initial accident.

– One of the most commonly reported symptoms of a TBI is disturbed sleep which reinforces the importance of physical and mental rest following a TBI.

– Although it is unnecessary to isolate yourself and lie in a completely dark room for days, it is important to limit activities such as reading and screen time if they increase your symptoms.

– After your period of rest it is important to gradually increase daily activities.

– Light physical activity has been shown to speed recovery; however you should avoid any activities that pose a high risk of another head injury.

Additionally, your doctor may recommend modifications or additional therapies if any problems with thinking or memory are present.

---

Savannah Peters, MS, ATC, LAT || Savannah is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Injury Prevention Specialist in Hillsboro, OR. She grew up in southern California, then pursued further education in New York where she studied and played volleyball at Clarkson University. She holds a master’s degree from Stony Brook

---

Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips from Work Right NW!