We’ve all had those moments where our head feels like it’s been run over by a marching band, but sometimes it’s more than just a headache - it could be a sign of something that requires slightly more TLC. When a headache strikes after a bump to the head, it’s crucial to know, is this just a headache? Or is this pointing towards a concussion? Let's clear up the confusion by distinguishing between common headaches and concussion symptoms, so you know when to seek medical advice and when simply taking an aspirin and getting some rest will suffice.
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow to the head or a hit to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth within the skull.
This sudden movement can cause the brain to twist or bounce around, leading to chemical changes and potential damage to brain cells. Concussions involve tiny, microscopic, tears in the brain's nerve fibers, known as axons. These axonal injuries disrupt the normal functioning of nerve cells, much like how a tear in a muscle or bone impacts bodily function.
Although brain injuries might receive less recognition than other physical injuries, perhaps due to their more mysterious nature, it is equally crucial to recognize and address these axonal injuries as soon as possible.
Here are five key indicators to help you distinguish between the two based on current research and medical guidelines:
1. History Of Head Trauma
● Headache: Can occur without any preceding trauma and is often linked to stress,
dehydration, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, certain foods, or even certain viral
infections.
● Concussion: Typically follows a recent blow to the head, fall, or impact that causes the brain to move within the skull.This movement can occur due to falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or any significant blows to the head.
2. Physical Symptoms Beyond Headache
● Headache: May include some similar symptoms like sensitivity to light or nausea in migraines, but usually lacks the broader range of cognitive and sensory disturbances seen in concussions.
● Concussion: Often involves a cluster of symptoms beyond just a headache. Look for signs of:
- Confusion
- Memory and/or concentration issues
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Balance issues
- Sleep disturbances
- Unusual behaviour, such as mood swings, anxiety, or depression
3. Type and Location of Pain
● Headache: There are many different types of headaches, but the two most common are tension and migraine headaches.
Tension Headaches present as a constant, dull pressure around the forehead, temples, or back of the head. They are often triggered by stress or muscle tension.
Migraines typically cause intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by visual disturbances (aura), sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.
● Concussion: The headache associated with a concussion can be similar to tension headaches or migraines, often described as pressure-like ballooning sensation, or a tight band around the head. However,the difference is that it is also frequently accompanied by other symptoms.
4. Onset and Duration
● Headache: Tension headaches typically develop gradually and can last from 30 minutes to several hours or even days. Migraines often come on suddenly and can persist for a few hours to several days.
● Concussion: Concussion symptoms can appear immediately after the injury or may be delayed by hours or even days. The headache and associated symptoms can fluctuate in intensity and duration.
While most concussion-related headaches and symptoms resolve on their own within 7-10 days, up to 30% of individuals may experience persistent symptoms, known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS), which can last for weeks, months, or even years.
5. Response to Rest and Treatment:
● Headache: Tension headaches and migraines often respond well to rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain medications. These measures can provide significant relief and help alleviate symptoms relatively quickly.
● Concussion: While rest is crucial for recovery from a concussion, it is not sufficient on its own. Symptoms of a concussion often persist and may not fully resolve with rest alone. Proper medical and rehabilitation interventions, including specific exercises and therapies, are essential for effective recovery.
