Concussion Care
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a disturbance in brain function that occurs after an impact to either the head or the body that causes violent shaking of the brain. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung ” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.
Our team consists of highly experienced and skilled professionals from a variety of disciplines who are experts in the assessment and management of concussion. We provide personalized concussion care for adults, adolescents, and children who suffer a sports-related injury from the first hours after a concussion throughout the entire recovery
Knowing when it is safe to return to play is crucial in order to avoid serious brain injury. We offer a personalized concussion program to address the comprehensive needs of an individual who has suffered a concussion.
What are the signs and symptoms of a Concussion?
Signs Observed by Parents, Guardians, or Coaches:
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment or position
- Forgets an instruction
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows behavior or personality changes
- Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
- Can’t recall events after hit or fall
- Symptoms Reported by Athlete
Signs if you think you suffered a concussion:
- A headache or “pressure” in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
- Does not “feel right”
What should you do if you think your child has a concussion?
Seek medical attention right away if your child experiences any of these symptoms above. Keep your child out of play. Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child return to play until a health care professional says it’s 0K. Children who return to play too soon-while the brain is still healing-risk a greater chance of having a second concussion. Second or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.
For more questions or to schedule an appointment, call 203-229-2000