Concussion Management From Sports Medicine Experts in Houston, TX
A concussion is a brain injury that results from a sudden blow or jolt to the head or body. As the head jerks forward, backward or to one side, the brain can bounce or twist inside the skull, causing some brain cells to become stretched or damaged.
Even though a concussion is generally considered to be a mild, non-life-threatening injury, it can have serious, long-term complications if not treated promptly. The most important aspect of concussion management is rest.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Some concussion symptoms may begin to appear within minutes of the injury, while others can develop several hours or even days later. The most common sign is a headache, which may worsen when the brain is stressed during activities such as reading or running. Other signs that concussion management may be required include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unexplained irritability, nervousness or sadness
- A vague feeling that “something isn’t right”
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Changes in sleep patterns
If you experience a neck injury, a loss of consciousness, numbness or seizures in conjunction with a potential concussion, you should seek emergency medical attention.
What does concussion management involve?
In addition to a few days of rest, most physicians recommend the following steps to help the brain heal from a concussion:
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Avoiding bright lights and loud noises
- Avoiding strenuous physical activities and difficult mental tasks
- Eating nutritious, well-balanced meals
- Resuming regular activities, such as driving and returning to work, gradually
During the initial phase of concussion management, pain medications should not be taken because they can mask symptoms and encourage a premature return to activity. It’s important to keep in mind that the brain will remain susceptible to reinjury until it fully heals.
The experienced sports medicine team at Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, Texas, is ImPACT Certified for concussion management. After evaluating a head injury, we can determine the amount of time necessary to allow for a full recovery.
If you’d like to consult with a physician who is experienced in concussion management, contact Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, TX, to request an appointment today.