Concussion

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects the function of your brain. The most common cause of a concussion is a blow to the head during a fall or as the result of a contact sport. This causes your brain to forcefully move back and forth against your skull, which can cause brain bleeding.

You can also develop a concussion from the violent shaking of your head or upper body, such as during a car accident. 

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

The symptoms of a concussion may not be noticeable immediately after an injury. Symptoms can gradually develop and last for several days or weeks.

Some of the most common symptoms of a concussion include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Blurry vision
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Ringing in your ears

You may notice changes in your speech, a dazed appearance, and forgetfulness. Some people may also lose consciousness because of a concussion.

You should schedule an evaluation at South Valley Neurology if your child suffers any type of injury to their head. For adults, a diagnostic evaluation is necessary if you have a loss of consciousness, a headache that continues to worsen, or changes in your vision after a head injury.

How is a concussion diagnosed?

After an injury, your South Valley Neurology provider takes time to review your symptoms and your medical history. To evaluate your neurological health, they perform an assessment of your movements, balance, and reflexes, as well as a cognitive test of your brain function.

In some cases, you may need an MRI or other imaging test to confirm a concussion and rule out other brain conditions.

How is a concussion treated?

Treating a concussion typically involves physical and mental rest to help your brain recover naturally. This means you may need to limit your physical activities and activities that involve thinking and mental concentration for at least two days after your injury. Children may need to stay home from school and not do schoolwork during their rest period.

You can gradually return to your usual activities based on how you feel. If you have a headache in the early days of your concussion, the South Valley Neurology team may recommend over-the-counter acetaminophen to relieve pain. You should avoid ibuprofen, as it can increase your risk of bleeding.

If you or your child needs an evaluation for a concussion, call South Valley Neurology to request an appointment today.