Can a concussion cause memory loss? A severe blow to the head can result in head injuries like concussions, which bring their own symptoms.
Many people experience varying degrees of memory loss after an accident or physical trauma to the head. If this is occurring to you or one of your loved ones, it’s critical to understand the source, duration, and additional side effects of this symptom.
Below, we’ll discuss concussion memory loss and everything you need to know about it.
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Can a Concussion Cause Memory Loss?
If you’re asking yourself, “Can a concussion cause memory loss?” The short answer is yes. It’s possible to experience memory loss from trauma that results from a concussion.
Memory loss, also known as amnesia, can manifest in a number of different ways after a blow to the head. Some concussions can make you forget events leading up to and including the accident.
You may also lack the ability to recall the events immediately after the accident, a response that is sometimes attributed to the same memory mechanism at the root of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Concussions that damage the parts of the brain in charge of creating and retrieving memories may also cause short-term memory loss. Your short-term memory helps you store information for a few seconds to a few minutes so that your brain codifies it and determines what to do with it.
If you have issues with your short-term memory, it can lead to a lack of focus or concentration, learning disabilities, and difficulties retaining new information like locations and names.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that severe memory loss after a concussion is rare, but it can still occur. In these cases, it’s important to seek medical attention and check for a more severe traumatic brain injury.
How Long Does Concussion-Related Memory Loss Last?
In the vast majority of cases, it’s possible to address memory problems through a concussion through a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
But how long does the memory loss last? Can a concussion cause memory loss years later?
For most people who experience concussion memory loss, this symptom lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a few days or weeks. It really depends on the severity of the blow and whether or not you actually notice all of the impairment. Find more about traumatic brain injury symptoms.
Recovery: What to Do About Concussion Memory Loss
Now that we have discussed amnesia due to severe blows, let’s go over steps on how to fix memory loss from trauma. Concussions can damage structures inside the brain, but a good recovery protocol can help restore the damaged parts and restore your memory as well as other cognitive functions.
Rest and Recovery
Memory loss after a concussion requires immediate attention, but you also need to rest once you’ve received treatment. Rest allows the brain to heal, mitigating post-concussion symptoms like headaches and short-term memory loss.
Symptom Management
Can concussions cause memory loss? Yes. Addressing symptoms like dizziness and confusion is crucial, as it will prevent worsening memory loss symptoms and other symptoms associated with concussion-related brain injuries.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation through cognitive exercises and therapies can help restore lost memory function over weeks or months, depending on severity. Every injury requires a personalized protocol, so make sure to get attention from a specialist.
Gradual Return to Normal Activity Level
A gradual return to daily activities is essential to avoid overloading the brain during the healing process. If not, you run the risk of aggravating or extending the duration of the symptoms.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Short-term memory loss after concussion often requires lifestyle adjustments. Strategies like cognitive rest, mental exercises, and maintaining a structured routine can aid in daily functioning and recovery.
Monitoring and Followup
Continued monitoring and follow-up care are essential to track recovery progress. Regular evaluations help ensure that persistent symptoms like memory loss are not a sign of a more severe underlying issue.
Experiencing Memory Loss Years After a Concussion
When discussing concussions and memory loss, it’s important to note that concussions can cause memory loss even years after the initial trauma.
Some people have even developed new health issues related to concussions after the accident but didn’t realize the root cause until years later.
Cognitive injuries don’t behave like other physical traumas. Therefore, it’s important to seek appropriate medical attention and take the time to rest and recover properly.
Do Frequent Concussions Increase the Risk of Memory Loss?
Yes, suffering from frequent concussions can cause extensive damage to the brain, which can increase the odds of suffering temporary amnesia.
In these cases, each concussion has a higher risk of putting pressure on the memory processing and retrieving parts of your brain, thus making memory loss more likely.
This is the reason why athletes who practice sports like football or mixed martial arts wear additional protection during games and sparring sessions, as it helps prevent further damage and instances of amnesia.
Medications and Treatments for Short-Term Memory Loss
Medications for short-term memory loss are scarce, and there is no medical remedy designed specifically for concussions or traumatic brain injuries. As of this writing, the only short-term memory loss medication on the market is targeted towards Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Concussions that cause memory loss can also produce symptoms like severe headaches, speech-language complications, and attention issues. Because of this, it’s important to seek medical attention, get the right tests, and ensure that your injuries are cared for properly.
To Wrap Up
Concussions can cause a variety of symptoms, including memory loss. The severity and duration of concussion memory loss vary greatly depending on the impact on the head, how it occurred, and other situational factors.
While concussion memory loss is rarely permanent, this type of injury requires extensive medical attention. You also need to rest, manage your symptoms, return to action gradually, and follow a good rehabilitation protocol to accelerate your recovery as much as possible.
If your injuries were due to the actions or negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. Getting fairly compensated for your injuries is critical because these funds can help you pay for expensive medical bills and cover your living expenses while you recover your ability to work.
Contact Brain Injury Law of Seattle to talk about your case; our attorneys will be glad to evaluate your situation and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today!
