One of the main questions people who suffer severe concussions or who are taking care of people with concussions ask is if they are going to recover. There is no guarantee that anyone will fully recover from any kind of brain injury, but when being knocked unconscious is part of the process, then the likelihood of recovery could be reduced.
Being knocked unconscious shows that you’ve suffered a moderate or severe injury right away. There could be internal bleeding, swelling or other issues that require brain surgery or other medical treatments.
Being knocked out doesn’t mean that you won’t recover, though. In around 75 to 90% of cases where a person loses consciousness for only a few moments, people fully recover within a few months. Longer knockouts, such as being unconscious for hours, days or weeks, could mean that injuries are so severe that they’re unlikely to be fully recovered from in the future.
Some common issues that patients deal with after a serious concussion and brain injury include:
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Cognitive changes
- Memory loss
- Behavioral changes
The important thing to remember is that anyone who loses consciousness needs to receive medical care right away. Early treatment can help prevent further brain injury or brain death, which will improve the chances of recovery. Medical providers will perform tests and physical exams to make sure there is no dangerous bruising or bleeding on the brain that could worsen the patient’s condition.
If you are knocked out, or if someone you love loses consciousness after a blow to the head, then it’s important to seek medical care. Early help is vital to your recovery.
