Concussion

Concussion symptoms may not show up immediately and are often so subtle you don’t realize anything’s wrong. At offices in Waxahachie, Mesquite, and Mansfield, Texas, the highly skilled Neurology Care team assesses people who’ve suffered head injuries to determine if they have a concussion. The practice’s board-certified neurologists also offer expert care for patients with concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. Call Neurology Care today if you might have a concussion, or book an appointment online.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury resulting from a blow or violent movement. This causes your brain to bounce on the inside of your skull, causing chemical changes in the brain and potentially stretching and damaging brain cells.

You could suffer a concussion after any head injury, but common causes include:

• Sports injuries
• Falls
• Auto accidents
• Personal assault

Some people recover from a concussion in a few hours, while others feel the effects for several weeks. Rarely, concussions can result in long-term movement, learning, or speech problems.

What symptoms does a concussion cause?

A concussion doesn’t always cause symptoms, but if present, they may include:

• Headaches
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Delayed verbal responses
• Fatigue

You may or may not lose consciousness when you have a concussion. Sometimes loss of consciousness lasts just seconds.

Rarely, concussions cause blood clots that increase pressure on the brain. You should get immediate medical attention if your headache worsens and won’t go away, your nausea and vomiting don’t stop, or you develop worsening weakness, numbness, or coordination.

What is post-concussion syndrome?

If you don’t function as well after suffering a concussion as you did before, you may have post-concussion syndrome. You might develop new symptoms, or ones you were experiencing still bother you weeks or months after the injury.

Post-concussion syndrome symptoms might include:

• Trouble thinking clearly or focusing
• Memory problems
• Headaches
• Blurry vision
• Insomnia (inability to sleep) or sleeping all the time
• Personality changes
• Feeling angry or anxious
• Dizziness or unsteadiness

Talk to the experienced concussion specialists at Neurology Care if you have these symptoms. They can diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate treatments.

How is a concussion diagnosed?

Your Neurology Care provider begins the diagnostic process by examining you and evaluating your symptoms. They may test your:

• Hearing
• Vision
• Language function
• Balance
• Reflexes
• Coordination
• Sensation
• Strength
• Recall
• Concentration

If you’ve been vomiting, had a seizure, developed a severe headache, or your symptoms are worsening, your provider may order diagnostic imaging scans such as a CT or MRI to check for trauma-related signs like swelling or bleeding.

How is a concussion treated?

Your Neurology Care provider will recommend physical and mental rest to give your brain time to recover. You may need to avoid sports or activities requiring concentration, such as working on computers. Patients with post-concussion syndrome might require cognitive therapy to rehabilitate the brain’s damaged areas.

To receive expert care for your concussion, book an appointment online or call Neurology Care today.