Concussion affects more than 3.8 million people each year, but many of them and more than a million others either don’t recognize the signs of a concussion or choose to ignore them. National Concussion Awareness Day is Sept. 16 and Brain Injury Services observes September as Concussion Awareness Month.
As a brain injury, a concussion should be treated with care. If you suspect a concussion, stop what you’re doing and check with a medical provider. If symptoms are severe or if you’re unsure, go to an emergency department. Not receiving the treatment you need or downplaying symptoms can result in a worsening or prolonging of symptoms. Even when the concussion is diagnosed as mild, your recovery should be your first priority. And when it’s diagnosed as severe or ongoing, Brain Injury Services has free programs and resources to help.