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Concussion Treatment in New York

Concussion Treatment New York

Seek help for your concussion. Book an appointment by calling (347) 602-9530.

Have you recently hit your head and have a long-lasting headache? Consider the possibility you need concussion treatment from an experienced concussion neurologist. Keep reading to discover everything you should know about concussions, including the answer to, “What is the treatment for a concussion?”

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a form of brain injury in which a sudden and severe impact causes the brain to slam into the skull, resulting in bruising or injury. Concussions range in severity from temporary loss of cognitive functions to a permanent traumatic brain injury. According to Columbia University, in about 5% of cases, concussions can cause severe brain bleeding, which is life-threatening if not immediately treated.

Always seek medical treatment when you suffer a moderate or severe head injury.

Signs You Have a Concussion

How do you know you have a concussion? Symptoms might be minor or major. About 20% of people experience symptoms for up to three weeks after the injury, according to Mayo Clinic.

Symptoms of a Minor Concussion

Sometimes, symptoms manifest up to a week after the injury. While you should see a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms, they’re usually not life-threatening:

  • Decreased ability to think or concentrate 
  • Sleeping more or less than usual, especially an unusual difficulty in staying awake 
  • Uncharacteristic or rapid changes to behavior or mood 
  • A headache that presents with unusual severity, duration, or frequency
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Unusual fatigue or exhaustion
  • Vertigo, dizziness, problems with balance and coordination, or decreased motor function
  • Increased sensitivity to loud noises or light
  • Visual disturbances, such as blurry vision or double vision

Major Symptoms Require Immediate Attention

If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek help at the emergency room or urgent care:

  • A headache that doesn’t stop or grows steadily worse
  • Vomiting and nausea for more than a couple of days
  • Any seizure
  • If you lost consciousness for more than 30 seconds during or after the injury
  • If you experience amnesia or can’t remember the injury
  • Confusion or cognitive issues that grow worse
  • Slurring your speech

What Causes a Concussion?

While the fluid within your skull protects against minor bumps and jolts, concussions come from sudden and severe impacts on your head. The following factors increase your risk of suffering a concussion:

  • Young children or older adults who experience a fall
  • Contact sports such as football, hockey, or boxing 
  • Lack of proper safety and supervision during sports 
  • Car accidents
  • Sustaining impact injuries while walking or biking 
  • Combat involvement as a soldier
  • Experiencing physical abuse
  • Previous concussions

Participating in sports is one of the greatest risk factors, and the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 10% of athletes experience concussions every season.

How Doctors Determine You Have a Concussion

A doctor can provide a neurological examination that measures changes in cognitive function and mental state. The exam measures the following:

  • Motor function
  • Hearing
  • Sensation
  • Eye movements
  • Balance and coordination
  • Sense of smell
  • Swallowing

If the doctor believes the concussion puts you at risk of more serious conditions, they might order an imaging test such as an MRI or CT scan.

Most Effective Treatments for a Concussion

Depending on the severity of the injury, concussion treatment likely involves a combination of mental and physical care plans.

Medication

Medications can help relieve pain from headaches, reduce dizziness, and manage nausea or vomiting. While medications can’t cure the concussion or heal the injury that caused it, they provide time to recover comfortably by addressing the concussion’s symptoms.

With a severe concussion that requires emergency treatment, doctors may use anti-seizure or coma-inducing drugs to facilitate healing.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can help you regain motor functions and coordination. A speech pathologist can help restore your full ability to speak or understand others.

Mental Health Treatment

Depending on the duration and severity of the resulting cognitive troubles, a doctor may refer you to a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Psychologist to help you deal with anxiety, mood changes, or difficulty performing everyday functions.

Surgical Intervention

In rare cases, a concussion causes severe injury that warrants surgery. The most common procedures repair skull fractures, remove blood clots, stop bleeding within the brain, or open a window in the skull to relieve building pressure.

Reach Out to Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. for Concussion Treatment

If you’re experiencing headaches after a car accident, you’ll want the best concussion doctor you can find. Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. employs many of the best doctors on the Eastern seaboard to help keep you safe and heal faster after a brain injury. 

Book an appointment without delay by calling (347) 602-9530. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.

FAQs About Concussions and Treatment

Here are the answers to the most common questions about nerve pain and treatment.

How Can I Avoid a Concussion?

You can greatly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a concussion by practicing the following preventive methods:

  • Safely participate in sports by following all safety regulations and wearing proper equipment.
  • Always wear your seatbelt.
  • Avoid trips, falls, and slips in your home by keeping it clean and well-lit.
  • Exercise regularly to improve balance and coordination.

Are There Lasting Complications From a Concussion?

You may experience lasting complications if you delay treatment or if the injury is severe. Potential complications include:

  • Prolonged difficulty with memory and concentration 
  • Sleep issues, including difficulty falling or staying asleep or prolonged fatigue
  • Significant mood and personality changes, especially irritability.
  • Long-lasting issues with balance 
  • Sensitivity to noise and light
  • Changes to your senses, particularly taste and smell
  • Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety

Can I Treat a Concussion at Home?

You can manage your concussion treatment at home when the doctor determines your concussion isn’t severe. After you experience a minor concussion, practice the following:

  • Participate in cardio exercise at least 30 minutes a day as you’re able. Avoid any activities that could jostle your head.
  • Reduce your workload, then increase it gradually.
  • Limit your exposure to screens.
  • Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga and meditation.