concussion, when to seek treatment

When to Seek Medical Care for Concussion

• Severe head trauma, for example, a fall from more than the height of the person or a hard fall onto a hard surface or object with resulting bleeding or laceration.
• Any child that loses consciousness as the result of a head injury.
• Prolonged loss of consciousness (longer than two minutes)

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Full Answer

What should I do if I have a concussion?

Your doctor will evaluate your signs and symptoms, review your medical history, and conduct a neurological examination. Signs and symptoms of a concussion may not appear until hours or days after the injury. Tests your doctor may perform or recommend include:

Should I go to the ER for a concussion?

But while ER doctors can diagnose a concussion, the treatment they can provide in the hospital is very limited. In many cases, it’s safe to wait until you can see your primary care doctor.

How can Mayo Clinic help with concussion-related health concerns?

Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your concussion-related health concerns Start Here There are steps you can take to help your brain heal and speed recovery. In the first few days after a concussion, relative rest is the most appropriate way to allow your brain to recover.

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

Each concussion in each person is somewhat unique and so is their recovery timetable. In general though, most concussion symptoms resolve within 14 to 21 days. However, undiagnosed, unrecognized or poorly treated concussions can delay your recovery – increasing it from the typical two weeks to months or even longer.

How do you know if a concussion is serious?

Concussion Danger SignsOne pupil larger than the other.Drowsiness or inability to wake up.A headache that gets worse and does not go away.Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching).More items...

Does a concussion need immediate medical care?

It's critical to seek immediate medical attention in a hospital or emergency department if any of these symptoms are present: Loss of consciousness, even if only briefly. Any period of amnesia, or loss of memory for the event. Feeling dazed or confused.

How can you test for a concussion at home?

Look for:Changes in day-to-day functioning.Eye pain and/or eye fatigue.Headache.Changes in sleep patterns.Neck pain or stiffness.Imbalance, dropping things, bumping into things.Impaired depth perception (having difficulty seeing the distance between two items)Difficulty remembering things.

What do hospitals do for concussions?

Depending on the severity of the injury and symptoms, initial treatment for a concussion often includes rest from both physical and mental activities — specifically, things that require concentration, such as: Reading. Watching TV.

When to seek first aid for a concussion?

How to Handle Concussions Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion The brain is a delicate and easily damaged organ. 2: Concussion First Aid In certain cir...

What does the hospital do for concussion?

The majority of concussions are treated at an emergency room or a doctor's office. Some patients must be admitted to the hospital overnight for add...

What is the only real cure for concussions?

Contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room. Rest. Rest is one of the most essential concussion treatments because it allows the brain...

How to recover from a concussion in Michigan?

Treatment and Recovery after a Concussion 1. The Three Stages of Concussion Recovery The amount of time spent in each phase is governed by a variet...

When should I see a doctor for concussion symptoms?

You may suffer a headache as well as the other concussion symptoms described above during this period. If you've recently suffered a concussion and...

What to do if you suspect someone has a concussion?

If you suspect someone under your care may have a concussion, it is important to keep a close eye on the individual and call a medical professional if you notice any concerning symptoms. If you are unsure whether or not to call a medical professional, it is important to be on the safe side due to the dangerous nature of concussions.

What to look for in a concussion?

Licensed health professionals trained in treating concussion should look for ongoing symptoms (especially headache and fogginess) and a history of concussions, with extra vigilance when it comes to younger athletes.

What does a concussion do to the brain?

What Is a Concussion? A concussion affects brain function, although usually only temporarily. A jolt to the head can cause the brain to bounce or twist in the skull head, which can damage brain cells or cause chemical changes. However, in some cases, concussions can be serious.

How serious is a concussion?

The seriousness of a concussion dictates what kind of treatment you should seek. Most people with concussions recover fully with appropriate treatment. Make sure there is qualified personnel at sporting events who knows how to evaluate participants for concussions. These experts have a variety of tools to determine the presence of concussions on the spot. Since a concussion can be serious, safeguarding yourself is important.

How many teenagers have a concussion before high school?

Recent research shows that one in five American teenagers report suffering a concussion before high school. The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP) previously reported that emergency room visits for concussions in children ages 8 to 13 years old doubled, and concussions rose 200 percent among teens ages 14 to 19 in one decade.

How long after a concussion do you lose consciousness?

It is important to note that some 90% of most diagnosed concussions do not involve a loss of consciousness, and symptoms may not occur until several hours after the episode.

What is the role of neurosurgeons?

As neurosurgeons, one of our central roles is the evaluation and treatment of mild and severe traumatic brain injuries. Please contact our office immediately if someone under your care needs medical attention for a concussion, and we will work with you to ensure the individual receives the care he or she needs.

What are the signs of a concussion?

Additionally, if any of the following signs are observed, immediate medical attention is needed: Headache that is getting worse. Ongoing vomiting well after the incident. Increased drowsiness or dizziness.

When should medical attention be sought?

Medical attention should be sought immediately after the incident when then symptoms are observed for initial evaluation.

How Do You Know if a Concussion is Serious?

Any time you experience a head injury, you should treat it seriously and find a doctor. Even a seemingly minor head injury can cause a concussion, so the best thing to do is make the assumption that your head injury is serious and seek medical attention. If you choose to forgo taking a trip to the doctor immediately following your injury, be sure to take action if you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, or any other concussion symptoms.

What tests are done to determine if you have a concussion?

These tests determine several factors like memory, concentration, motor skills, and ability to recall information. Brain imaging may also be recommended for people with particularly concerning symptoms like severe headaches, seizures, or repeated vomiting. CT scans and MRIs can assess the brain after injury and identify changes or diagnose complications.

When Should You Go To The Hospital After Hitting Your Head?

The best thing that you can do after hitting your head is to seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. However, if you neglected to go to an urgent care or emergency room right away, then you should seek emergency departments near you if you experienced any of the aforementioned symptoms and side effects. Should you still be wondering when to go to ER for concussion, the sooner you have your injury looked at, the better.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that causes the brain to move around in the skull. This kind of sudden movement causes a chemical change in the brain, oftentimes causing damage to the brain cells. This kind of trauma to the brain can often be called a minor injury because a concussion is not usually life-threatening; however, there are potentially serious long-term effects.

Can a concussion go untreated?

Should you have a concussion that goes untreated , or worse, have suffered multiple concussions, long-term side effects may occur. Here are some of the potential dangers of a serious and untreated concussion:

Can a concussion be caused by a car accident?

When answering the question of when to go to ER for concussion, we need to understand that concussions are most frequently caused by a head injury inflicted by contact sports, but there are other common causes. Falls down the stairs or even a car accident can all cause a concussion. Some sports that have the most players with reported concussions include football, equestrian sports, basketball, hockey/field hockey, and soccer.

Can a concussion be seen?

Concussion symptoms may vary, and many people experience no obvious symptoms. However, these are a few common symptoms to look out for if you have recently experienced a head injury:

Who to see for a concussion?

If you, your son or daughter or your older parent has experienced a mild blow to the head, you can see your family medical doctor or your pediatrician first for an initial exam. If a concussion is suspected, you may be referred to other doctors and healthcare providers who specialize in the evaluation and management of concussions. These clinicians include:

How long does it take for a concussion to go away?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, violent jolt or blow to your head. Anyone from infants to the elderly can get a concussion. Headache is the most common symptom. Most symptoms resolve within 14 to 21 days. Although recovery plans are unique to each person, all involve mental and physical rest and a gradual return to activity.

How to keep blood sugar up after a concussion?

Make sure to encourage eating throughout the day to keep blood sugar up and to try and drink six 8 oz. glasses of fluid (water, juice, Gatorade®) throughout the day. The brain is sensitive to low blood sugar and dehydration and these conditions can mimic or worsen concussion symptoms like headache, dizziness, fogginess, stomachache and irritability.

What happens when you hit the brain?

The force of a hit can cause a concussion on the part of the brain that was directly hit or on the opposite side of the brain (as the brain tissue itself moves from the force of the blow and hits the opposite side of the skull).

What causes a concussion in a child?

Motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries are common causes of concussions. Any sport that involves contact can result in a concussion. Among children, most concussions happen on the playground, while bike riding, or when playing sports such as football, basketball, ice hockey, wrestling, or soccer.

How many times more likely is a concussion to happen?

Once you’ve had a concussion, you are three to five times more likely to have another concussion. The highest risk is for those who return to competition before their symptoms have completely gone away. No one should return to active play if they are still having symptoms from a concussion.

Can you see a concussion on an imaging test?

This is because most of the effects of a concussion aren’t seen on imaging. However, these imaging tests might be ordered if more serious effects of a concussion are suspected – like bleeding inside the skull, brain swelling or spinal cord or cervical spine injury – or if symptoms are worsening.

How long after a concussion should you see a doctor?

Reality: The best time to see your doctor is actually 48 to 72 hours after the concussion occurs. Before that, patients often experience so many concussion symptoms that it can be hard to spot patterns.

What kind of doctor treats concussions?

Pediatricians and primary care doctors are trained to manage concussions. But specialty concussion clinics are often helpful, especially if you experience a lot of dizziness after the injury (which can be a sign that recovery may be prolonged), or if symptoms last more than a week.

What is the number to call for a concussion?

Concerned about concussion and need help identifying symptoms or scheduling a concussion appointment? Call our 24/7 Concussion Hotline: 703-970-6427 or request an appointment with our Concussion Management Team.

Is concussion treatment more active than it used to be?

Reality: The recommended concussion treatment is a lot more active than it used to be — no more resting quietly in dark rooms. Doctors manage concussions with tailored treatments depending on the type of concussion (whether a person mostly has problems with dizziness, visual processing or memory, for example).

Can a CT scan diagnose a concussion?

Reality: CT scans can rule out structural problems such as skull fractures or bleeding in the brain. But scans can’t actually diagnose a concussion.

Can you go to the ER for a concussion?

Reality: Not necessarily. If you notice significant symptoms such as vomiting, slurred speech or a severe headache that doesn’t ease, you should head to the emergency room to rule out structural problems, such as bleeding in the brain. But while ER doctors can diagnose a concussion, the treatment they can provide in the hospital is very limited. In many cases, it’s safe to wait until you can see your primary care doctor.

How to recover from a concussion?

Restful sleep is important in all stages of recovery from concussion. If getting to sleep or staying asleep is difficult, discuss this with your doctor for further recommendations. Sleep behavior techniques may be helpful as is the use of certain medications.

How long after a concussion should you rest?

Persistent double vision or loss of vision. Increasingly restless, agitated, or combative. In the first one to two days after suffering a concussion, near complete rest is important.

What is the recovery process of a concussion?

Recovery from concussion is a complex and dynamic process. During recovery it is critical to identify the factors responsible for symptoms and to develop a treatment plan targeting them. If recovery is not properly managed it can lead to unnecessarily prolonged recovery. Management of recovery should be individualized and directed by ...

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

Common treatable causes of concussion-like symptoms include; neck injury, dizziness, lightheadedness, vision problems, difficulty with sleep, and new or worsening mood symptoms.

How long does it take to return to light thinking?

Even though symptoms during the acute symptomatic phase may be quite limiting, returning to light thinking and physical activities should start after the first couple of days. Examples of light thinking activity include: Watching TV. Pleasure reading (if tolerated) Listening to music. Short periods of schoolwork.

Is it safe to take naproxen after a concussion?

After the first 24 hours, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Naprosyn, Aleve) are generally more effective for pain relief, and are safe. In some patients, nausea and vomiting can be bothersome, and prescription medications can help. Restful sleep is important in all stages of recovery from concussion.

Can you exercise during a concussion recovery?

New studies, including one performed at Michigan NeuroSport, suggest that limited exercise during the recovery phase allows for quicker recovery from concussion. Return to physical activity and exercise should be gradual and determined by your doctor. Examples of cardiovascular exercises that are started during this phase include use ...

Who should seek medical attention for a concussion?

Anyone with the symptoms of a concussion must seek medical attention.

When to check in after a concussion?

It is important for parents and caregivers to check in on their children in the hours and days after a concussion to watch for any symptom progression. If symptoms get worse or are severe, it is important to seek immediate help.

How long does it take for a concussion to heal?

Typically, people with a concussion start to feel better within 1–2 weeks of the injury.

What tests do neuropsychologists do?

The doctor will also run cognitive tests and assess the person’s emotional state. A neuropsychologist may supplement the doctor’s examinations with their own assessment.

How long after a sprain should you rest?

24–48 hours after the injury. The person should restrict cognitive and physical activity for 24–48 hours after the injury. Again, it is important that they are not alone during this time, as symptoms can appear days after the injury.

What are the best ways to prevent a concussion?

Once a person returns to sport and other activities, they should practice concussion prevention strategies. These may include wearing protective gear, such as helmets or mouth guards. However, there is a limited amount of evidence to prove that this gear is effective against concussion.

What is the first step for someone with a concussion?

The first step for someone with a concussion is to leave the area where the injury occurred. If the injury happened during sport, a coach should remove the person from the playing field.