In many concussions, the physical examination is normal, so it is very important that the athlete report all symptoms to the sports medicine physician. Imaging, like a computed tomography (CT) scan, is only necessary if the physician thinks it is necessary to evaluate for head injuries other than concussion. Concussions are serious injuries.
Full Answer
What kind of doctor should I consult for a concussion?
Coaches and parents should teach young athletes to play by the rules. Many rules in sports are present to prevent injuries. Using good technique can also help prevent concussions. For instance, swimmers can be injured when they miss the wall and hit their head.
What should I do if I have a concussion?
Coaches, trainers, and parents should know about the signs of concussion. They should recognize signs of concussions and remove athletes when a concussion is suspected. More Information Center for Disease Control and Prevention - HEADS UP to Brain Injury OrthoInfo - Sports Concussion Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA)
How is a concussion diagnosed in sports medicine?
Concussions occur in many situations. Athletes may fall and hit their heads against the ground or hit each other directly during sports. Concussions happen when there is a direct blow to the head, forceful rotation of the head and neck, or both. Symptoms. Symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not occur until a few days after the injury.
What sports have the highest risk of concussion?
Jan 14, 2016 · For most concussions that happen during practice or a game, a trainer will evaluate the student-athlete. The trainer can then refer the child for care from a concussion specialist, such as those at UT Southwestern, who are also affiliated with our Texas Institute for Brain Injury and Repair.
What type of doctor can help with a concussion?
An emergency room doctor often makes the initial diagnosis of a concussion. Once discharged, you may seek care from your family doctor or primary doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in brain and nervous system disorders (neurologist) or a brain rehabilitation specialist (physiatrist).Oct 6, 2020
Who can clear an athlete with a concussion?
3. Any athlete with a concussion should be medically cleared by an appropriate health-care professional prior to resuming participation in any practice or competition. 4. After medical clearance, RTP should follow a step-wise protocol with provisions for delayed RTP based upon return of any signs or symptoms.
Do you need a doctor for a concussion?
When should I see my doctor? You should see your doctor after a head injury if you have any of the symptoms listed above. You should see your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you have bad headaches, repeated vomiting, difficulty using your arms or legs, or worsening sleepiness or confusion.Jan 15, 2012
Who should you report symptoms of a concussion to?
The people checking on you should call 9-1-1 or take you to an emergency department right away if you:Have a headache that gets worse and does not go away.Experience weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, convulsions, or seizures.Vomit repeatedly.Have slurred speech or unusual behavior.More items...
What to do if an athlete has a concussion?
As a coach, if you think an athlete may have a concussion, you should: Remove the athlete from play. Keep an athlete with a possible concussion out of play on the same day of the injury and until cleared by a healthcare provider. Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself.
What is a concussion protocol test?
Concussion tests assess your brain function after a head injury. Most concussion tests consist of questionnaires or symptom checklists. Concussion tests check for things like alertness, memory, focus, how fast you think and your ability to solve problems. They also check your balance and coordination.Jan 12, 2022
When should you go to hospital for concussion?
Should I Go to the Hospital for a Concussion? In general, any head injury associated with loss of consciousness, seizures, prolonged confusion or amnesia, neck pain, vomiting or numbness or weakness in arms or legs should be transported to the emergency room in an ambulance right away.
What can adults do for a concussion?
PainRest is the best treatment for post-concussion syndrome.Do not drive if you have taken a prescription pain medicine.Rest in a quiet, dark room until your headache is gone. ... Put a cold, moist cloth or cold pack on the painful area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. ... Have someone gently massage your neck and shoulders.More items...
Do I need to go to the hospital for a mild concussion?
Sometimes an injury to your brain can be more serious. Signs of a more serious injury such as bleeding and /or swelling in the brain can be seen in the first 24 to 48 hours. Call 911 or go to the hospital right away for any of these possible life threatening issues: won't wake up or is very hard to wake up.
How do hospitals treat concussions?
1 Sometimes after a head injury, an overnight stay in the hospital for observation is advisable, but it's rarely necessary. Only a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) would require an intervention such as surgery. In fact, the most effective prescription for a concussion is rest—total rest.Jul 27, 2021
Should I get a CT scan after concussion?
Health care providers follow guidelines that recommend performing CT scans only for patients who are at higher risk for skull fractures or bleeding in the brain. Most people with head injuries do not have either of these problems, and simple concussions do not show up on a CT scan.
What is a concussion doc?
Ask Concussion Doc is a show where we answer your questions about concussions, treatment and rehabilitation to raise awareness, educate, and help patients, athletes and practitioners better manage these injuries. For more information about Complete Concussion Management, visit www.CompleteConcussions.com
What is neurofatigue in PCS?
Neurofatigue is one of the most common complaints in people with persistent concussion symptoms (PCS). In this episode we break down the main suspected causes of neurofatigue and the steps …
What is the treatment for a concussion?
The typical treatment for a concussion is decreased noise, light, and stimulation – pretty much the opposite of a loud, bright, busy emergency room. But there are situations in which a concussed person should go to the ER.
How to tell if you have a concussion?
These concussion symptoms can occur immediately, as well as after the injury: 1 Headache or "pressure" in the head 2 Nausea or vomiting 3 Balance problems or dizziness 4 Double or blurry vision 5 Sensitivity to light or noise 6 Feeling sluggish, hazy, or confused 7 Concentration or memory problems 8 Just “not feeling right” or “feeling down” 9 Ringing in the ears
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
These concussion symptoms can occur immediately, as well as after the injury: Headache or "pressure" in the head. Nausea or vomiting. Balance problems or dizziness.
How long does it take for a kid to recover from a concussion?
College-aged athletes, two to three weeks, per NCAA. NFL or adult athletes, seven to eight days. The younger the athlete, the longer it takes to fully recover from a concussion.
What does it mean when a child has a concussion?
Feeling sluggish, hazy, or confused. Concentration or memory problems. Just “not feeling right” or “feeling down”. Ringing in the ears. Many parents wonder if they should take their child to the emergency room for a concussion. Usually it’s not necessary.
What is myelin in biology?
Myelin is like an electrical cable around our nerve fibers that insulates and offers a buffer against impact. Myelination – the process of fully developing mature myelin – starts when we’re little and is usually completed by the time we leave college.
Is it scary to have a concussion?
Concussions are scary, especially when your son or daughter is on the receiving end. It’s hard not to panic when your child gets hurt, especially after a hard hit during a high-impact sport. Local parents are concerned about concussions and often ask my team questions such as these:
Limited data makes it hard to avoid putting necks on the line
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Football helmets: Good for heads, bad for necks?
Football is the sport most commonly associated with cervical spine injuries. A review of football head and neck injuries from 1959 to 1963 found that rates of intracranial hemorrhage and intracranial death were two to three times greater than rates of cervical spine fracture/dislocation or cervical quadriplegia.
Enemy No. 1: Spearing
Specifically, a headfirst tackling technique known as spearing, in which the player hits with the crown of his helmet, results in straightening of the cervical spine and axial loading of the spine on impact.
Another threat: Concussion to the spinal cord
In 1986 Torg coined the term cervical cord neurapraxia (CCN) to describe a concussion to the spinal cord asa result of an on-field collision.
Why spinal canal size matters most
When faced with an athlete who has experienced a transient episode of CCN, the physician’s role is to determine if there is a structural abnormality that could put the athlete at risk for another transient episode of CCN or a potentially catastrophic permanent spinal cord injury.
