Concussions are common brain injuries that occur from forceful blows to the head or the body. This injury alters the function of the brain and must be taken seriously. Concussions frequently occur during contact sports and other forms of physical activity.

If you’ve experienced a traumatic blow to the head or body and you’re not feeling yourself, you may be experiencing concussion symptoms. When dealing with this injury, it’s important that you don’t ignore your symptoms.

The first 24 to 48 hours after the injury occurs is when concussion symptoms typically start to show up. These symptoms include the following:

• Headache that gets progressively worse
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Double or fuzzy vision
• Dizziness
• Balance problems
• Nausea
• Slow reaction time
• Amnesia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Feeling sluggish, foggy, or groggy
• Feeling emotional
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Pupils that are enlarged or different in size

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to stop all forms of physical activity. When you’re dealing with a concussion, your brain needs rest in order to heal. Some athletes try to “play through” their concussion and return to their sport, but this will further disrupt the brain and prolong concussion symptoms.

Just as it’s important to avoid physical activity, your brain needs cognitive rest as well. Spend a couple of days in a quiet room and don’t watch TV or use the computer. Reading can also stimulate the brain, so it’s best to avoid this activity as well.

After your injury occurs, see a doctor right away. It’s difficult to diagnose a concussion, so your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and perform a series of tests to help you recover.

Premier Orthopaedics has a complete concussion care solution for patients who have suffered this brain injury. The certified physicians and athletic trainers are dedicated to helping patients recover and getting them back in the game as soon as possible. Components of this program include the following:

• Educating coaches, parents, athletes, and others about concussions
• Utilizing state-of-the-art computerized neurocognitive assessment tools to ensure every patient is evaluated with the best technology available.
• Concussion assessment and physical examination by experienced, knowledgeable concussion providers
• Physical therapy, including for balance and vestibular function
• How to safely return to play after a concussion

Premier Orthopaedics specializes in concussion management and features a concussion program to educate and assist athletes, parents, and coaches in the proper identification and management of concussions. They also utilize a neurocognitive assessment tool and comprehensive management services that allow certified physicians to guide the patient to recovery.

For comprehensive and dedicated care, click here to set up a consultation with a Premier Orthopaedics physician and get back on the road to recovery.

If you’re dealing with a serious injury and you’re in need of surgery, download our eBook, Your How-To Guide to Choosing an Orthopaedic Surgeon.