Traumatic Brain Injury During Winter Sports... Recognize the Signs
Despite the lack of snow in Oklahoma, Oklahomans love to ski and snowboard. Over the next few months, plenty of us will be heading for the slopes. Each year in North America there are over 600,000 ski and snowboarding injuries and up to 20% of those are head injuries. So, in honor of Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month this January, we thought we would review some of the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). When Mild TBI occurs, symptoms fall into 3 general categories:
- Physical Symptoms
- Headaches
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Dizziness & Loss of Balance
- Sensory Symptoms
- Blurred Vision
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Sensitivity to Light or Sound
- Cognitive or Mental Symptoms
- Memory or Concentration Problems
- Mood Changes or Mood Swings
- Feeling Depressed or Anxious
While any of these symptoms should warrant a visit to the doctor, loss of consciousness, seizure, loss of coordination, slurred speech, or profound confusion should warrant an immediate trip to the doctor. These are indicators of moderate to severe TBI.
Once the immediate health concerns have been addressed, vestibular rehabilitation to address dizziness, imbalance, and coordination should be considered. FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of Oklahoma City specializes in vestibular rehabilitation. We can also help with orthopedic injuries that occur from winter sports related falls. We have trained physical therapists who can get you upright and help you Love Your Life!
-FYZICAL Oklahoma City Staff