Consult a trusted neurologist in New York for concussion treatment. Contact Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. to schedule an appointment.
Recovering from a head injury requires the right concussion management protocol. A leading neurologist in New York can diagnose your concussion and provide you with a personalized treatment plan for optimum healing. Discover what the typical concussion recovery process looks like in this guide from the experts at Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C.
Understanding Concussions: Causes and Symptoms
A concussion is a mild type of traumatic brain injury that can produce physical symptoms as well as behavioral and cognitive changes. According to JAMA Internal Medicine, 8 million Americans experience head injuries every year, with 80% of them meeting the criteria for a concussion. Before we dive into concussion management procedures, let’s first review the basics of having a concussion, including its causes and symptoms.
Common Causes of Concussions
A concussion can occur anytime you face blunt trauma to your head, such as falling and hitting your head or slamming your head onto the steering wheel or other object in a car accident. Concussions can affect any age group, but the most at-risk group tends to be athletes. According to the University of Michigan Health, doctors diagnose 3.8 million concussions each year that stem from sports-related injuries.
Head injuries can occur across all sports and genders and do not always stem from competitive play. A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training finds that collegiate women’s soccer and men’s lacrosse athletes have the highest rate of concussions. That same study revealed that women athletes are more likely to sustain a concussion during a game (9.5% likelihood compared to 6.4% for men), while men endure more concussions during practices at a 5.2% rate compared to 3.6% for women.
Typical Concussion Symptoms
Concussion management boils down to monitoring your symptoms and whether they improve or worsen over time. The average concussion patient may experience the following physical, behavioral, and cognitive changes:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Changes in sleeping patterns
According to StatPearls, 90% of concussion patients do not lose consciousness, signaling their head injury is only mild. If you pass out for more than 30 minutes at a time, seek immediate medical treatment for a traumatic brain injury.
What to Expect When You See a Concussion Doctor
Neurologists treat a wide variety of conditions involving the brain, including concussions, Alzheimer’s disease, and even neurological manifestations that stem from a COVID-19 infection. If you’re experiencing symptoms after a head injury, ask your primary care physician to refer you to a concussion doctor. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect during your first visit.
Physical Exam
Just as your primary care doctor will assess your physical health with questions and short tests, a neurologist will also perform a physical exam focusing on your neurological health. They will check your reflexes as well as your balance, coordination, vision, and hearing.
Many concussion patients struggle cognitively, so neurologists usually conduct a series of tests that focus on memory and concentration. For example, they may give you a set of words to remember before asking you various questions, and then have you repeat the words back to them at the end of their questioning.
Diagnostic Tests
While a physical exam serves as a catalyst for concussion treatment in NYC, it’s not always indicative of a mild TBI. Doctors usually order a computerized tomography scan to evaluate any swelling, bleeding, or other damage to the brain. Your neurologist may also order a magnetic resonance imaging test to identify changes in your brain.
Typical Concussion Treatment Plans
Following a diagnosis, physicians will explain concussion management protocols and treatments that you should adhere to for a full recovery. Check out which treatment options will help you heal quickly.
Get Sufficient Rest
Your body needs adequate rest after sustaining a head injury. Doctors will recommend two days of rest and relaxation to give your brain time to heal before you can reintroduce some of your normal activities. You can still enjoy gentle activities like painting or stretching rather than getting complete rest, but steer clear of activities or environments that exacerbate your symptoms.
Stay Active
After an initial resting period, it’s time to get active again with cardiovascular exercises that get your heart rate up. You can go on walks, ride a stationary bike, or do any exercise that gets your blood pumping for 30 minutes. Avoid any activities that involve jostling your head, such as:
- Running
- Dancing
- Sports that caused your injury
Be mindful of how much your body can handle. If you find that your symptoms increase during physical activity, exercise in intervals rather than going for 30 minutes straight.
Exercise Your Brain
Concussions disrupt your autonomic nervous system, but coupling physical and cognitive exercises can help improve function and facilitate cognitive rehabilitation. For optimum concussion management, focus on your cognitive function immediately after working out. This can be as simple as reading a book or performing at-home memory exercises.
Adjust Your Diet
An anti-inflammatory diet can promote neurological and physical healing after a concussion. This includes eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, hydrating with water, and cutting out processed foods.
Treat Headaches with Medication
One of the most prevalent concussion symptoms that patients must manage is a headache. According to a review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, up to 69% of concussion patients endure post-traumatic headaches while this number increases to 93% in patients with a sports-related head injury.
Over-the-counter medications provide pain relief but you must consult a doctor before taking any medication. Products containing acetaminophen are safest for concussion patients, while aspirin and ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding in your brain.
Concussion Management Tips
Neurologists will monitor your recovery and may recommend specialized treatments, such as physical therapy or cognitive rehabilitation therapy. For many patients with mild concussions, recovery is possible on your own. Make sure you follow the tips below to accelerate your healing.
Ease Back Into Your Normal Routine
For someone with a concussion, long work or school days can trigger symptoms and delay recovery. Experts recommend making a gradual return to your daily routine to prevent physical and cognitive setbacks. If possible, attend work or school for ten hours one week, then increase your attendance to 20 hours the following week.
Taking a slow approach back to daily life is the best way to help your brain heal from its trauma.
Limit Screen Time
Concussion management is not just about making a full recovery but also minimizing your symptoms. As many as 40% of people experience sensitivity to light after a brain injury, according to Optometry and Vision Science. Avoiding electronics can improve your light tolerance and give your brain the time it needs to heal.
Resting after a concussion doesn’t mean you can spend the entire day watching television or playing video games. Some electronic use is okay but try to avoid exposure to screens as much as possible. You can gradually increase your screen time as your symptoms subside.
Avoid Risky Activities
It can be tough to take a break from your normal routine, especially if you lead a busy life and enjoy staying active. However, it’s imperative to steer clear of any activities that could worsen your condition. This means that athletes who sustain a head injury on the field should stay on the sidelines until their doctor gives them approval.
Say you have a minor head injury following a car accident but otherwise are in good health. Even if you didn’t receive a concussion playing a sport like soccer or football, it’s best to avoid these activities until you fully heal. Receiving a second concussion before your first one heals can have long-term consequences.
Begin Your Recovery with Concussion Treatment in NYC
Even a minor mild concussion can have a serious impact on your life. Let Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. help you recover from a head injury quickly.
Doctors listed in our directory accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Call (347) 602-9530 to request an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concussion Management
Are you still curious about how professionals treat concussions? Get answers to common questions below.
What Activities Are Safe for Concussion Patients?
Concussion patients can participate in gentle physical exercises and activities that stimulate their cognitive abilities, such as reading or drawing.
What Are the Symptoms of a Severe Head Injury?
Convulsions, loss of consciousness, weakness in the limbs, and persistent vomiting can indicate a serious head injury rather than a mild concussion.
How Long Does Concussion Recovery Take?
Many patients notice symptom relief within two weeks, though the full concussion recovery timeline can last up to three months. For chronic symptoms, concussion management protocols may change.
Are you wondering, “What can a neurologist do for post-concussion syndrome?” Receive the proper treatment by contacting one of the doctors in our free directory.
