Common Myths About Head Injuries
Misconceptions Surrounding Head Injuries
Although we live in the age of technology and information where you can search for your symptoms online, there is also plenty of misinformation circulating on the internet when it comes to concussions and other brain injuries. The orthopedic experts at Methodist Sports Medicine are here to dispel some of the common misconceptions surrounding concussions and other brain injuries.
Myth: You need to keep someone awake for 24 hours following a concussion.
While many people believe that you need to wake a concussed person every hour for the first 24 hours following a brain injury, there is actually no reason to do this if a doctor has cleared them. On the contrary, sleep is essential when it comes to helping your body to recover.
Myth: Concussions only happen to athletes.
While athletes who participate in contact sports like football, basketball, and hockey aren’t the only ways to sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). People can also suffer from hits to the head or body that cause brain trauma in everyday life.
Some of the most common instances that can cause concussions include:
- Slips and falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Biking accidents
- Physical abuse
- Exposure to explosive devices
Myth: Brain injuries are always visible in MRI and CT scans
While MRIs and CT scans are used to look for signs of trauma such as bleeding and skull fractures, they cannot detect any and all signs of brain trauma. Other testing may need to be done to properly diagnose the presence of a brain injury.
Myth: Concussions aren’t serious because they’re mild brain injuries.
Although concussions are considered mild traumatic brain injuries because they aren’t typically life-threatening, they are still serious injuries because they affect your brain. It is important to seek medical attention if you or someone around you displays signs of a concussion because they can suffer from life-long symptoms if left unaddressed.