Concussion

What’s a concussion?

Concussions can be caused by a number of things, such as motor vehicle accidents, sports or recreational activities, falls or assaults. While commonly thought of as being caused by a direct hit to the head, a concussion isn’t limited to just contact to the head. It can occur when a person is struck in the body causing the head to move rapidly back and forth or rotate. It is important to note that while some people lose consciousness, most people with a concussion do not lose consciousness. 

Regardless of how it occurs, a concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). When someone gets concussed, there is impairment of neurologic function that prevents the brain from working normally and disrupts normal daily activities.

A concussion can have severe impacts, causing prolonged and sometimes debilitating symptoms that can affect you for days, or even months, after the initial injury. That is why it’s important to seek out concussion treatment as soon as you can.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion can include the following:

• Headache
• Confusion
• Memory issues
• Difficulty remembering or paying attention
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
• Feeling irritable, more emotional or down
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
• Vision issues
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Double or blurry vision
• Slowed reaction time
• Sleep problems
• Loss of consciousness

How are concussions treated?

You should not return to work, school, sports or recreational activities until you are evaluated by a licensed health care professional who has been trained in the clinical management of concussion. Our concussion specialists will help develop the right concussion treatment plan for you.