Facts vs. Myths on Concussions

Myth: Helmets prevent concussions

Fact: Wearing a helmet may prevent a skull fracture or other serious injuries. If your brain shakes with enough force in the skull too aggressively, even when wearing a helmet, it can still cause a concussion. 

Myth: Symptoms of concussions begin right away after the injury

Fact: Concussion symptoms can begin the same day as the injury while other symptoms may appear days or weeks later. Early symptoms may include confusion, headache, dizziness and/or memory loss. Later symptoms may include sensitivity to light, difficulty sleeping, fatigue and/or depression.

Myth: You can only get a concussion when playing sports

Fact: Concussions do not only occur from an intense blow to the head during athletic activities but can also occur in everyday activities. When the head or upper body is shaken with enough force, the brain can move around and slam into the inside of the skull. Concussions can be caused by falling down the stairs, whiplash from a car accident or being violently shaken. 

Myth: When you get a concussion you always lose consciousness

Fact: A concussion involves the loss of consciousness only about 10 percent of the time. Every concussion is different and most concussions do not result in a loss of consciousness. 

Myth: Avoid falling asleep with a concussion

Fact: Some people fear that if you fall asleep with a concussion you could slip into a coma or lose consciousness but sleep actually helps the brain recover and heal, especially in the first 24-48 hours. It is safe to sleep after a concussion if you are not experiencing symptoms such as slurred speech, increased confusion and/or intense nausea.

At Reddy Care Physical, Occupational and Aquatic Therapy, we have highly trained and experienced physical and occupational therapists. Physical therapists and occupational therapists work together to help target specific concussion symptoms and help lessen symptom severity. Our therapists combine physical and cognitive exercises to target specific regions of the brain for concussion recovery. Give us a call today if you or a loved one is experiencing concussion symptoms.

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North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005   Tel. (516) 344-0030

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030 

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360  Tel. (718) 224-8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572  Tel. (516) 992-2282

Sources: Concussions.org, Healthblog.org

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.