09 Dec Warning Signs Of A Concussion
The warning signs and symptoms of a concussion can be confusing. They don’t always appear right away, they can come and go, and they may not go away without additional treatment. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we treat concussion patients every day. Our individualized approach to concussion care allows us to appropriately facilitate our patients’ return to their daily routine. Continue reading to discover some of the warning signs of a concussion and how our team can help.
What Is A Concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic injury to the brain caused by a jolt, bump, or blow to the head that can temporarily affect the way the brain normally functions. Most concussions occur due to direct trauma to the head, such as from getting hit or falling. Concussions are prevalent in athletes and can happen during any sporting activity. When it comes to athletes, you should be careful if they experienced a blow to the head or were at risk of hitting their head during activity and suffered any warning signs of a concussion. In recent years, public awareness has risen about concussions and how dangerous they can be when not taken seriously.
Warning Signs Of A Concussion?
Concussions affect everyone differently, and the symptoms can manifest themselves in different ways depending on the individual. However, there are some warning signs to look out for that could potentially be indicators of a concussion. Some of the warning signs of a concussion can include:
- Headache – A headache is one of the telltale signs of a concussion. A headache may occur due to an accumulation of fluid or blood in the skull and can impact your ability to concentrate and carry out routine tasks.
- Light Sensitivity – After a concussion, an individual may experience a vulnerability to bright light. Light sensitivity can last long term as part of a post-concussion syndrome.
- Tinnitus – Some patients experience a buzzing, ringing, or hissing sound in their ears after a concussion. Tinnitus can result from damage to the hearing nerves or ears that causes sensitivity to even the smallest of sounds.
- Vision Problems – Patients may experience blurred or double vision after a concussion. These problems are typically caused by damage to the nerves and muscles surrounding the eye.
- Dizziness – After this injury, even trying to get up from a sitting position can cause feelings of disorientation. Patients may also have trouble keeping their balance after standing up.
- Amnesia – Amnesia is a state of confusion in which an individual may find themselves unable to remember basic information and important events. This condition can cause patients to experience various feelings, including anxiety, confusion, anger, and distress.
If you suspect that someone has a concussion and is exhibiting these warning signs, it is best to consult with our team at New York Sports Medicine Institute for a thorough evaluation of your condition.
Treating A Concussion
Here at New York Sports Medicine Institute, our concussion care is a Credentialed ImPACT Consultant. We offer baseline and follow-up ImPact (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing.) Our concussion care services include:
- Neurocognitive assessments of individuals using ImPACT and other tests and coordinating pre-season screenings.
- Balance and vestibular testing.
- Rehabilitation Therapy.
- Post-injury neurocognitive and physical evaluation.
After a concussion, you will need to rest physically and mentally to recover. Relative rest is the most effective way to allow your brain to heal. Relative rest includes limiting activities that require concentration and thinking and is usually recommended for the first few days after the injury. Complete rest is typically not recommended. It’s best to limit activities that require high concentration, such as reading, texting, or playing video games, if these activities cause your symptoms to worsen. You should also avoid physical activities that increase your symptoms. Gradually increasing your activities as you recover will help you safely return to your routine activities.
Contact Us
At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we understand how challenging it can be to cope with concussion symptoms. Our concussion care team keeps up to date on the latest evidence-based treatments to help guide patients to a successful and functional recovery. Be sure to contact our team today to request an appointment and start healing.