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?”
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.
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.
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:
If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek help at the emergency room or urgent care:
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:
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.
A doctor can provide a neurological examination that measures changes in cognitive function and mental state. The exam measures the following:
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.
Depending on the severity of the injury, concussion treatment likely involves a combination of mental and physical care plans.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here are the answers to the most common questions about nerve pain and treatment.
You can greatly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a concussion by practicing the following preventive methods:
You may experience lasting complications if you delay treatment or if the injury is severe. Potential complications include:
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: