What do you know about concussions? Most people have a general knowledge, but nothing more specific than that. National Concussion Awareness Day is September 15th, a day to raise awareness of the risks of concussions.
Your dad fell down the front stairs and hit his head on the concrete sidewalk. It’s especially important that you learn the dangers of concussions and how home health care helps your dad in the days following his concussion.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the head and brain to jolt back and forward quickly. The sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around in the skull, which can cause damage to the brain cells.
Some of the many signs of a concussion may be easily observed by others and medical professionals. Others may be only apparent to the person with the brain injury. They include:
- Changes to one’s behavior, mood, or personality
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Grogginess
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Loss of concentration
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of memory just before and after a fall or blow to the head
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Slowed, clumsy movements
What To Watch For
When he goes home, you or another family member need to stay with him for a few days. But what if you don’t live nearby? If your dad is isolated and doesn’t have anyone close by, he won’t be released from the hospital until there is a caregiver or home health care nurse to monitor his recovery.
For a couple of days, your dad needs to have someone check his pupils and make sure that one isn’t larger than the other. He needs to be asked questions to make sure his responses are clear and not slurred. This ensures that his cognitive skills and his condition aren’t worsening.
A home health care nurse can make sure your dad isn’t unusually drowsy or struggling to stay conscious. He should tell someone if he has a severe headache. His nurse needs to pay attention to any signs that nausea and/or vomiting are increasing.
If he does seem to be worsening, it helps to have a nurse with him to arrange transportation to the hospital. Not only will you feel better that he’s not alone, but he has a home health care nurse with the proper training to support him until he’s with an EMT or doctor.