An expert has warned Princess Anne could experience symtoms “for weeks” after she was hospitalised due to a head injury. The Princess Royal is spending a second day in hospital, where she is being treated for a minor head injury and concussion believed to have been caused by a horse.
According to Buckingham Palace, the 73-year-old is “recovering well” after the accident and is expected to make a full recovery.
However, she is set to miss and delay some royal engagements as a result of the injury.
Princess Anne was injured on Sunday evening while out walking on her estate.
It is understood the princess has not been able to recall the details of what happened due to her concussion.
But her medical team have suggested her head injury is consistent with the type of impact from a horse’s legs or head.
Natalie Mackenzie, brain injury expert of The Cognitive Rehab Coach, told Express.co.uk that horse-related injuries make up a huge amount of head injuries.
She explained: “Horse-related injuries are actually common-they accounted for a huge 22 percent of all sports-related head injuries studied.
“In the 20 years I’ve worked with individuals with traumatic brain injuries, horse-related injuries are the most common sporting injury that I encountered.
“Lots of these are sustained by a fall but also being kicked too, like Anne reportedly was.
“The good news is that Anne’s injuries are reportedly minor, but it’s important to note that concussions can profoundly impact an individual’s wellbeing, such as their ability at things like work.”
She shared some of the key signs of concussion to be aware of.
“Most of us know the signs like increased sleepiness, vomiting, or nausea but there’s others too,” Natalie said.
“Things like dizziness, headaches and sensitivity to light or noise are also concussion red flags.
“Individuals who ‘feel fine’ might not pick up on more subtle cues such as balance issues or even ringing in the ears, as well as memory lapses.
“It’s common to have slowed cognitive processing following a concussion, so people might struggle to find the right words or their brains might feel cloudy.
“There’s also the possibility of sudden mood swings.”
Natalie warned that Princess Anne might experience post-concussion symptoms going forward.
“Post-concussion symptoms can hinder decision-making skills, focus, and overall cognitive function, as well as stress levels and sleep quality,” she said.
“Post-concussion symptoms can linger for a couple of weeks, or even continue past this, so it’s great that Anne got medical help immediately.
“Because concussion symptoms aren’t immediately obvious, any kind of horse-related head injury should be immediately checked out. In some cases mild brain injury symptoms can be long lasting.
“Most people will need to rest for a few days and can still go about some activities.”
She also explained that extra care should be taken following a concussion.
“There’s no set time to return to riding, but individuals shouldn’t until signs of concussion, like headaches and fogginess, completely disappear.
“We know that there is a considerable risk to the brain that occurs with a second impact, and post-concussion you’re more susceptible to a greater level or damage with a second concussion, so it’s really important to be cautious.
“Whilst wearing a helmet can help, it doesn’t offer complete protection, so individuals must take it slow whilst returning back to ride and proceed with caution.”