Heads Up: Tips For Handling Concussions

Heads up: QualChoice offers tips for handling concussions

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Cooler temperatures mean more opportunities for outdoor recreation, sports and other athletic activities. This increase in activity often means a higher risk of injury, and fall contact sports and recreation can put children and adults alike at greater risk of getting a concussion.

Ahead of National Concussion Awareness Day on Sept. 19, review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance on recognizing and responding to concussions.

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• Take concussions seriously. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head—or even a hit to the body—that makes the head and brain move rapidly. This movement can trigger chemical changes in the brain that affect how you feel, think and function at home, work or school.
• Watch for symptoms. Signs of a concussion vary by person, age and development stage. They are often strongest right after the injury but can take hours or even days to appear. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, vision or balance problems, sensitivity to light or noise, fatigue, memory issues, mood changes and sleep disruptions.
• Know when it’s an emergency. Some symptoms may signal a more serious brain injury. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you observe: seizures; repeated vomiting; worsening headache; confusion or agitation; inability to wake up; slurred speech; weakness, numbness or loss of coordination; double vision or unequal pupil size; or inability to recognize people or places.
• Children need prompt care. If you suspect your child has a concussion, see a health care provider right away. Share details about how the injury happened, medications the child is taking and any symptoms you’ve noticed. Providers may evaluate physical health, learning and memory, concentration and problem-solving abilities. If a concussion is diagnosed, they will provide recovery instructions, including how to monitor symptoms at home.

Enjoying athletic and recreational activities should be fun, not risky. Knowing the signs of a concussion and when to seek help can make a big difference. For more concussion-related information, visit www.cdc.gov/heads-up.

About QualChoice Health Insurance

Since 1994, QualChoice has provided the best value in health benefits for Arkansas businesses. They’re committed to transforming the health of their community one person at a time and strive to make health insurance simple with an approach based on the core belief that quality healthcare is best delivered locally.

QualChoice health plans and services are offered through QCA Health Plan, Inc. (QCA), a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and QualChoice Life and Health Insurance Company, Inc. (QCLHIC), both licensed with the State of Arkansas. All QualChoice entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC).

More information can be found at qualchoice.com.