Each year, over 300,000 athletes suffer from a concussion. Professionals, amateurs and students participating in contact sports and other activities are all vulnerable to the traumatic brain injury known as concussion.

Most concussions occur as a result of a blow to the head. This injury can also be caused by violently shaking the head and upper body. Taking a fall and hitting your head is also another common cause of concussion.

Concussions can range from mild to severe. Many people who sustain a concussion may not be aware of it, particularly for those playing contact sports. Not everyone who has a concussion will become unconscious. Anyone who has experienced a concussion, regardless of how minor the injury may seem, should be checked out by an urgent care doctor.

Neurosurgeons and other brain injury experts agree that no concussion should be dismissed without a thorough exam. A first concussion may not cause permanent damage, but a second one soon after the first one increases the chances for permanent brain damage or death.

Treatment for concussion begins with a diagnosis to determine the severity of the injury. Your doctor will evaluate the symptoms and review your medical history. A neurological examination will also be conducted. Keep in mind that sometimes signs or symptoms of concussion do not appear until hours or even days after the injury has occurred.

Depending on the severity of the concussion, your doctor will recommend rest to allow the brain to recover. You may be asked to refrain from activities that require physical exertion or vigorous movements until your symptoms resolve.

Mental rest is also required, which means limiting those activities that call for mental concentration and thinking, especially if they trigger your symptoms or cause them to increase. Your doctor will advise you on the levels of activity, mental and physical, in which you can safely participate.

Symptoms of Concussion

Keep in mind that the symptoms of concussion do not always present at the time of the injury. It is not uncommon for some of these symptoms to appear hours or days after the head injury. Common symptoms of concussion are:

• Headache or feeling pressure in the head
• Confusion or brain fog
• Amnesia (around the event or more severe)
• Seeing stars, dizziness
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Appearing dazed
• Slow to answer questions

Once the symptoms appear, they may last for days, weeks or longer. Most victims of a concussion will experience a headache, memory loss regarding the event that caused the injury and confusion.

It is important to see a doctor anytime the head has been injured. Contact Dr. Michael if you or a family member has sustained a head injury.