Concussion – Serious Injury and Serious Talk: “Tips for Observation at Home”

First and most important, my thoughts and prayers to all family members associated with a loss or affliction as a result of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy).

We have looked at signs and symptoms observed immediately following a suspected concussion. If injured person is transported to an advanced medical facility, then follow discharge orders. If the injured person is deemed well enough to go home, here are some tips to consider in the hours following a suspected concussion:

• Increasing headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty or slurred speech
• Balance or coordination difficulty
• Unusual or out of character behavior
• Changes in level of consciousness
• Blurred or double vision
• Disorientation
• Delayed verbal or motor response
• Amnesia
• Stiffness in the neck or weakness in arms or legs
• Blood or clear fluid from nose or ears
• Abnormal drowsiness or sleepiness

Rest and observation are important. If he/she is able to sleep, continue to observe. If any changes in symptoms or signs are alarming, seek advanced medical care immediately.

Following are some additional tips:

• DO NOT take any medication other than what a medical doctor has prescribed.
• NO physical activity until directed by health care professional.
• Limit television and cell phone time as well as computer use.