My Experience With Ladyhawke

Ladyhawke came into my life as a rescue horse. I brought her home to join my two aging horses, Sally and Boris, and for about 18 months, the three of them lived peacefully together. They grazed in the pasture, enjoyed apple cookies, and kept each other company. I thought Ladyhawke had found her forever home.

Image Credit Nancy Brotman

Then one day, she kicked me badly enough that I ended up in the emergency room. From there, I called the rescue and asked them to take Ladyhawke back. It was not how I expected things to end, but I still hope she is enjoying a peaceful retirement as a pasture pet.

An injury like that can happen suddenly, and a hard blow or impact can sometimes lead to a concussion. Knowing what concussion symptoms look like, when they can appear, and when to seek medical attention can help you respond appropriately after a head injury.

In this guide, I’ll explain the common signs and symptoms of a concussion, how doctors assess it, what treatment and recovery can look like, and when you should seek urgent medical care.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden impact or jolt that disrupts how the brain normally works.

This can happen when a blow to the head, neck, or body causes the brain to move quickly inside the skull. Harvard Health describes concussion as involving “not only impact, but also movement, like jerking back and forth.” The CDC explains that this rapid movement can cause chemical changes in the brain and may stretch or damage brain cells.

So, you do not necessarily have to hit your head directly to get a concussion. A fall, collision, sports injury, or other sudden impact can also cause the brain to move in a way that results in a concussion.

What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?

Concussion symptoms are not limited to headaches or dizziness. Because a concussion affects how the brain functions, symptoms can show up in how you feel physically, think, behave, and sleep. According to the CDC, the symptoms can vary from person to person, so you may experience only some of them.

Physical Symptoms

Common physical symptoms include:

• Headache
• Dizziness or problems with balance
• Nausea or vomiting
• Vision problems
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling tired or having little energy

Thinking and Memory Symptoms

A concussion can also affect your ability to think clearly. You may:

• Have difficulty concentrating
• Feel mentally foggy or slowed down
• Have trouble remembering information
• Find it harder than usual to think clearly

These changes may be less obvious than physical symptoms, but they are also recognized signs of concussion.

Emotional and Sleep Symptoms

Changes in your mood or sleeping habits can occur as well. You may feel more anxious, irritable, sad, or emotional than usual. Sleep-related symptoms can include sleeping more or less than usual or having trouble falling asleep.

You also do not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Mayo Clinic notes that while some concussions cause a person to lose consciousness, most do not.

How Do You Know If You Have a Concussion?

If you develop symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, or balance problems after a blow or jolt to the head or body, you may have a concussion. However, symptoms alone cannot tell you for certain.

The CDC recommends seeing a healthcare provider if you think you may have a concussion. During an evaluation, your provider will typically ask how the injury happened and what symptoms you have experienced. They may also check your memory, concentration, vision, balance, coordination, and other aspects of neurological function.

There is also no single test that can confirm every concussion. Mayo Clinic explains that diagnosis may involve a neurological examination and cognitive testing. CT or MRI scans may be ordered when there are concerning symptoms, such as repeated vomiting, seizures, worsening headaches, or other signs that could suggest a more serious injury. These scans are primarily used to look for problems such as bleeding or swelling rather than to diagnose the concussion itself.

Timing can make things less obvious too. Concussion symptoms do not always start immediately after an injury. Some may appear or become noticeable hours or even days later, according to the CDC. So, if you have experienced a significant impact, continue paying attention to how you feel even if you seemed fine immediately afterward.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

If you think you may have a concussion after a blow or jolt to the head or body, it is a good idea to get evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if you develop symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, or changes in balance.

In my case, the injury from Ladyhawke’s kick was serious enough that I went to the emergency room. While not every suspected concussion requires emergency treatment, some symptoms can indicate a more serious brain injury and should not be ignored.

According to the CDC, you should seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:

• A headache that gets worse and does not go away
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizures or convulsions
• Slurred speech
• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
• Increasing confusion, agitation, or unusual behavior
• Difficulty recognizing people or places
• One pupil that is larger than the other
• Loss of consciousness, increasing drowsiness, or difficulty waking up

These warning signs matter because symptoms after a head injury can sometimes indicate bleeding, swelling, or another more serious problem involving the brain.

What Should You Do If You Have a Concussion?

If you think you have a concussion, the first step is to get evaluated by a healthcare professional and follow their recovery advice.

The CDC recommends resting during the first few days after a concussion. After one or two days, you can gradually return to light activities, such as taking a short walk, as long as your symptoms do not significantly worsen.

You should also avoid activities that could cause another head injury while you are recovering. Your healthcare provider can advise you on when it is safe to return to work, school, driving, exercise, and other regular activities.

How Long Does a Concussion Last?

There is no exact timeline for how long a concussion lasts because recovery varies from person to person. Many people improve within days or weeks, although symptoms can last longer for some people.

According to the CDC, concussion symptoms generally improve over time, and most people can return to work, school, and many other normal activities within a few days or weeks. The CDC also notes that people who have experienced repeated concussions may have a longer recovery or more severe symptoms.

If your symptoms are not improving, become worse, or continue interfering with your normal activities, speak with your healthcare provider. Persistent symptoms may require further evaluation and a recovery plan based on the specific problems you are experiencing.

What My Experience With Ladyhawke Taught Me

My experience with Ladyhawke taught me that you cannot always predict when a serious injury will happen, but you can control how you respond afterward.

Image Credit Nancy Brotman

After a hard blow or jolt, paying attention to symptoms matters because some concussion symptoms can appear immediately while others may take time to develop. If symptoms worsen or you notice warning signs such as repeated vomiting, seizures, increasing confusion, or difficulty staying awake, seek medical attention.