There is debate in the neuroscience world over whether concussions should be considered neurological disorders or not. By defining both terms and understanding what conditions qualify as a concussion or neurological disorder, one can take a stand in the debate more easily.
At Carolina Brain Center, we are willing to get into the semantics of concussions and neurological disorders to educate our prospective patients. Specifically, we are aiming to answer the question of whether a concussion is a neurological disorder. Read on for more information and our ultimate decision on this contested matter.
What is a Concussion?
Concussions are common head injuries when the brain is rapidly shifted back and forth. Though they often are managed quickly and easily by simple methods of medication and therapy, minor concussions can add up and cause significant damage, especially when they go untreated.
Concussion sufferers, in severe cases, may lose consciousness upon their heads being contacted. Other concussion symptoms include a loss of concentration, memory, and balance. Concussions, in both the immediate aftermath and recovery process, are somewhat uncomfortable and must be dealt with in a timely fashion.
Contact sports are the driving factor behind many concussions. Not giving your injuries the appropriate amount of time to heal can result in even worse symptoms and compounding brain damage. This building damage can have profound, negative implications for the sufferer in the long term and leave them at risk for advanced cognitive troubles.
What is a Neurological Disorder?
A neurological disorder is an attack on the human body’s nervous system. The neurological aspect of these diseases comes into play because the nervous system is centered in the brain and spinal cord. Most neurological disorders are relatively rare and are defined by severe symptoms such as paralysis and loss of feeling.
Patients and concussion neurologists often have their work cut out when dealing with a neurological disorder. Many patients with neurological disorders receive specific care out of necessity due to the nerve damage. While there are some more common neurological diseases, the status of concussions as a neurological disorder is a source of debate.
By the definitions typically laid out by medical professionals, concussions are not neurological disorders. Concussions are more distinct in their cause than the structural damage they cause. The blunt force that creates a concussion is the defining feature of the injury instead of the collateral nerve damage that may come about.
Visit Carolina Brain Center
Carolina Brain Center is known for its high-quality services and care plans. Among the most exciting innovations we offer are the GyroStim and HBOT services. More information about each of these services is located on our website.
If you or a loved one is suffering from concussion symptoms or what appears to be nerve damage, reach out to the concussion neurologists at Carolina Brain Center. Give us a call for more information on the solutions we offer.