Q: I fell off a horse several months ago and hit my head. I got a bump,
but I remember the fall, and was not unconscious as far as I know. The
doctor told me I would not suffer from permanent brain damage as all I
had was a concussion. But I still get dizzy at times, and seem to be
more forgetful and irritable. Do I have brain damage, and what can I do
to make myself feel better?
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A:Concussion is a vague term that has different meanings. It is
generally understood to mean a shaking up of the brain. It would be
more serious if there was bruising or a tear or cut.
Concussions are still serious enough to cause a significant number of
disruptions in the neuronal circuitry. These changes do not show up on
traditional CT scans or MRIs because they occur at a microscopic level.
Although the damage to the nerve fibres can repair itself, this process
may take longer the older you are.
It is possible you may have suffered a more severe injury, such as a
bruising of the brain, without completely losing consciousness. You may
also have been unconscious for a minute or two without realizing it. If
you were alone, you may not know how long you were out cold.
If you haven’t already had a brain scan, perhaps you should ask to have
one done, as most concussions should have resolved in this length of
time.
Normal symptoms after a concussion include tiredness, forgetfulness,
clumsiness and irritability. There are often headaches, dizziness and
an increased sensitivity to noise and light. After an injury, the brain
needs lots of sleep to recover. You may need to sleep several more
hours than usual for a while until your brain is sufficiently rested.
A word of caution: An injured brain does not deal well with alcohol. Do
not drive until you are back to normal, as you may have slowed reaction
times. Do not play sports or do any activities where you could get hit
again, because it could aggravate the condition.
Horseback riding is one of the most dangerous recreational activities.
It is right up there with hang-gliding. Not many people in this part of
the world wear proper helmets when riding. People wear helmets when
riding a bike, but not on a horse where they are much higher up. I am
sure rodeo cowboys will laugh at the idea of wear riding helmets, but I
will say it anyway.
Clare Rowson is a medical doctor with a practice near Belleville, Ont.
Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are
encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding
medical questions and treatments.
