Credentialed ImPACT Consultant
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that often results after a fall or a direct blow to the head. Your skull protects your brain from everyday bumps and movements, but a sudden, violent impact can force your brain against the inside walls of the skull, potentially causing brain damage.
Concussions are common in athletes, especially those that play high-impact sports, like football, basketball, and soccer. In many cases, symptoms of a concussion are temporary. However, it’s important that anyone with a suspected concussion seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible to prevent complicated brain damage and other health issues.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Common signs of a concussion typically appear soon after the injury. In some cases, a fall or other injury may cause you to lose consciousness for a period of time. However, you can still have a concussion even if you remain awake and alert.
If you have a concussion, you may experience symptoms like:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Persistent fatigue
- Ringing in the ears
You may also have difficulties remembering the event that caused your injury. Within an hour of your injury, you may also experience concentration problems, increased sensitivity to light, and difficulties sleeping.
How are concussions diagnosed?
The team is skilled in diagnosing concussions through a neurological examination, where they ask detailed questions about your injury.
You also undergo an evaluation of your strength, balance, and coordination. The team may also ask for more information to assess your ability to focus and your memory.
ImPACT testing can also be utilized, especially for athletes with baseline pre-concussion testing results within their schools.
To confirm a concussion diagnosis, the team may order a special brain scan with sequences like SWI, DTI, and neuro-quantitative. This test can also determine the severity of your injury and to check for signs of bleeding or swelling in your brain.
What treatments are available for a concussion?
The most important treatment for a concussion in the initial stage is rest. The team recommends limiting your activities to ensure you can rest both physically and mentally. In addition to physical activities, you should also avoid watching television, using electronics, and reading books. You may need to miss time from work or school until your injury has time to heal.
Athletes shouldn’t return to the game until the team confirms it’s safe to do so in order to prevent re-injury.
More involved head injuries may require further management like:
- Neuropsychological testing.
- Neuro ophthalmology and neuro optometry.
- ENT/dizziness/vertigo evaluations.
- Vestibular rehabilitation and chronic headache management.
- Whiplash care.
- Physical therapy.
- Occupational therapy.
- Speech/Memory and Cognitive therapy.
- Psychotherapy and PTSD care.
- Insomnia management.
- brain recovery supplements.
- Oral medications to help focus, mood, insomnia, headache...
- Activity and life modifications.
If you suspect you or your child has suffered a concussion, schedule a concussion evaluation by phone today.
