Ouch - Learn about concussions
Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2007 2:42 pm
Last week, I was working in a wiring closet. I was attempting to map out a section of the local area network at my work (since I'm the Network Architect). In going through several wires, a networking switch on a shelf above me fell - onto my head.
It was a 24-port gigabit rack mountable Netgear switch. It was heavy, and it fell several feet. It ended up cutting through my scalp, but not the skull (good!). Needless to say, there was a lot of blood.
I needed two staples, and a tetanus shot. I have a concussion, and it wasn't at all fun.
However, since then (this occurred last week), I've learned about concussions. I always thought a concussion was an event. Like "I broke my arm", the state was "a broken arm". But a concussion is an ongoing issue. Like "I have pnuemonia", being a state of "being sick" that lasts over several days (or weeks, or longer).
Concussions don't just start and stop. Your brain takes a while to get back to normal after being bounced around. It doesn't like that. As a result, I've been incredibly tired, fatigued and nauseous. I've been on and off painkillers for headaches that can last several days. I have a follow-up meeting in a few days to re-evaluate me. I went back to work on day two.
I mention all of this to educate others. Concussions last over time. They are hard to heal, and hard to explain. Imagine just feeling completely "off" for a week, and you'd be close.
The wound itself is healing very nicely. I'd share pictures, but they are rather grotesque.
If you end up with a head injury, don't just assume that it is over when the bleeding stops.
It was a 24-port gigabit rack mountable Netgear switch. It was heavy, and it fell several feet. It ended up cutting through my scalp, but not the skull (good!). Needless to say, there was a lot of blood.
I needed two staples, and a tetanus shot. I have a concussion, and it wasn't at all fun.
However, since then (this occurred last week), I've learned about concussions. I always thought a concussion was an event. Like "I broke my arm", the state was "a broken arm". But a concussion is an ongoing issue. Like "I have pnuemonia", being a state of "being sick" that lasts over several days (or weeks, or longer).
Concussions don't just start and stop. Your brain takes a while to get back to normal after being bounced around. It doesn't like that. As a result, I've been incredibly tired, fatigued and nauseous. I've been on and off painkillers for headaches that can last several days. I have a follow-up meeting in a few days to re-evaluate me. I went back to work on day two.
I mention all of this to educate others. Concussions last over time. They are hard to heal, and hard to explain. Imagine just feeling completely "off" for a week, and you'd be close.
The wound itself is healing very nicely. I'd share pictures, but they are rather grotesque.
If you end up with a head injury, don't just assume that it is over when the bleeding stops.