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Published on Monday, 7 March 2022 14:02
Written by Dr. Wei Li
Hartford HealthCare
A concussion isn’t just an ordinary bump to the head. It’s actually considered a mild traumatic brain injury. Most people associate concussions with playing sports, which is common among athletes. However, anyone can suffer a concussion.
“Basically a concussion is a ‘bruise’ to the brain from a direct blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body,” said Wei Li, DO, Sports Medicine Specialist and Primary Care Physician with the Hartford HealthCare Medical Group in Bristol.
“When a person suffers a concussion they will usually know right away, but there are times when it could take a day or two for symptoms to show,” said Dr. Li. Symptoms of a concussion include:
Sensitivity to light
Trouble concentrating
Feeling of fatigue or tiredness
Headaches
Nausea
“Concussions can last anywhere from three days to four weeks – or even longer,” said Dr. Li. If someone is experiencing concussion symptoms after an injury, it’s recommended they see a specialist to help with the recovery process.
“We can help tailor the recovery based on the patient and the severity of the concussion,” explains Dr. Li. “Days or weeks after the concussion, a patient may still have difficulty focusing with their eyes – while others may have balance issues. We can direct you with how to move along with your recovery, whether that includes physical therapy or another form of treatment. We can also clear people to go back to work, school or resume certain activities.”
In the past, people who suffered a concussion would be told to stay in a dark room and limit their activity. Dr. Li says that’s no longer the case. “Within the first 24 to 48 hours we have people rest and limit activity. However, we then do something called “active recovery” where we engage patients in light physical activity such as walking the dog or light aerobic exercise, which can help speed up the recovery process.” Dr. Li says when it comes to concussions among student athletes, there’s a whole protocol that must be followed from the moment the injury occurs until the student is allowed to return to the sport.
“Everyone, whether you’re an athlete or not, needs to take concussions seriously and make sure you’re getting guidance on your recovery to make sure symptoms resolve and don’t persist or worsen,” adds Dr. Li.
Dr. Wei Li is a Sports Medicine Specialist and Primary Care Physician with the Hartford HealthCare Medical Group in Bristol. For more information, or to make an appointment, call 860-827-7440 or visit www.hhcmg.org/sportsmedicine .
Posted in The Bristol Press, General News on Monday, 7 March 2022 14:02. Updated: Monday, 7 March 2022 14:05.