A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that can happen when your brain is jolted or shaken inside your skull from something like a blow to the head or a sudden impact to your body that makes your head snap back and forth. Even if you don’t lose consciousness, this force can damage brain cells and disrupt normal brain activity.
If it sounds serious, that’s because it is. Though most people make complete recoveries following a concussion, ignoring your symptoms — or returning to activity too soon — can slow healing and lead to complications.
Our team at Integrated Neurology Services is here to help you protect your brain, and we specialize in diagnosing and treating concussions. Here’s what you should know if you think you’ve experienced this common head injury.
The effects of a brain injury like a concussion can vary greatly from person to person. For some, noticeable symptoms appear right away. For others, symptoms develop hours or even days later. Major signs might mean you have a concussion include:
If any of these symptoms are severe or if you experience loss of consciousness, worsened balance problems, repeated vomiting, or seizures, seek immediate medical attention. Otherwise, book an appointment for concussion evaluation as soon as possible.
Understanding how concussions happen can help you figure out if you might have one — and help you avoid them in the future. Some of the most frequent causes include:
Knowing the possible cause of your symptoms also helps us assess your injury and guide your recovery, especially when it comes to returning to activity.
First, stop whatever you were doing at the time of injury. Whether you're playing sports, working, or driving, stopping right away reduces your risk of further injury.
Then, rest both physically and mentally. This means avoiding strenuous exercise, but also limiting screen time, reading, and doing anything that strains concentration. Give your brain time to heal.
Monitor symptoms closely, and keep track of how you feel over the next 24-48 hours. If your symptoms worsen, or if new symptoms develop, seek medical help right away.
As soon as possible, get evaluated by a professional. Going to the doctor helps rule out more serious brain injury like bleeding or swelling, and seeking proper care helps lower your risk of lasting effects like ongoing headache, mood changes, sleep issues, or cognitive problems.
Our neurology team at Integrated Neurology Services does concussion assessments to diagnose your injury quickly and accurately. We provide neurological exams, symptom tracking, balance testing, and follow-up care.
We give you a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms, along with guidance about when and how to return to your usual activities. In general, you can begin light activity only once your symptoms are improving and return to full work, sports, or play after being cleared by our team.
If you think you have a concussion, trust your instincts and get checked out. Brains heal best when they’re given time, attention, and expert care, and we’re here to help. Book your appointment online or call us at 703-313-9111 today.
