Take a cue from Rebel. If you hit your head, get it checked.
You’re headed to the kitchen on a relaxing weekend afternoon when you trip over the rug. You find yourself tumbling forward, knocked off balance, and you can’t catch yourself in time. As you fall, your head hits the side of the couch. As you get up, your head is aching and you’re dazed, even a little nauseous.
“Ouch,” you think through the haze, “That really hurt – and I don’t feel great.”
Most concussions happen just like that, during the ordinary activities of everyday life. That’s why Concussion Awareness Now has partnered with actress and comedian Rebel Wilson. While her days may be a bit different than those of us who aren’t movie stars, she suffered a concussion in much the same way many people do: in a fall. Rebel’s concussion happened a few years ago when she slipped on wet grass as she walked to a movie set.
Most of us don’t work in the movie industry, so it’s more likely our falls and accidents will happen at home, in the office, at school, while traveling or when we least expect it. Concussions that happen in sports, especially injuries to major league athletes, tend to grab a lot of the attention. However, contrary to what most people think, most concussions occur away from the field or the arena. Like Rebel, who went to the hospital to get her head checked, it’s important that we press pause on our busy lives and take the time to check in with our healthcare professional after we have suffered a head injury.
As Concussion Awareness Now’s spokeswoman, Rebel is spreading that message in a way only she can.
In her recent public service announcement video, where she can be seen wielding a flamethrower, carelessly flinging cups of hot coffee and recklessly driving a golf cart, Rebel reminds people of the importance of seeking care after a concussion. As Rebel accidentally wreaks havoc on the fictional movie set, she imparts the very serious wisdom that if you hit your head, you should get it checked.
According to a survey we conducted, more than 50 percent of people who believe they may have suffered a concussion never get it checked. Ignoring the symptoms of concussion has both short- and long-term consequences. Stubbornly ignoring a possible concussion means it takes your brain and your body longer to recover and you may not be able to carry on like normal, even if you think you can. After all, a concussion is a brain injury and when your brain is hurt, it needs time to recover. Seeking care for a concussion also offers protection for the future if you ever end up hitting your head again.
There are lots of resources to explore about concussions, symptoms and seeking care on our Concussion Awareness Now website. And since March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, there’s no better time to take the time to learn about concussions and the importance of seeking the care you need.
So remember, if you or a loved one suffers what you think may be a concussion, take a break from your daily life to get it checked. Your brain will thank you.