Concussion
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation in Fremont
A concussion is a brain / head injury that occurs in one of two ways:
- A blow to the head, including one caused by a fall
- Severe shaking to the body / head
Every year, between two and four million individuals in the United States
sustain concussions in sports-related settings. Any sport or athletic
event can cause a concussion, but the most common sports for causing concussions
are football for boys and soccer for girls. In many cases, these injuries
can cause changes in the brain that affect the way the brain functions
for days or even weeks. Having one concussion puts a patient at a higher
risk of suffering more concussions in the future. These injuries are also
known as mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI).
Did I Get a Concussion?
You may experience some or all of the following symptoms in the immediate
aftermath of a head injury:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Memory loss
- High-pitched ringing in the ears
- Confusion / disorientation
These symptoms could show up later:
- Concentration difficulties
- Problems sleeping
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Irritability
If you suffered a blow to the head and have any reason to suspect that
you may have sustained a concussion, do not hesitate to see your doctor.
Recommended treatment typically includes both physical and mental rest.
Your doctor can run tests to find out about the extent of any brain damage
that may have taken place. A physiatrist may play a role in your recovery
and rehabilitation. Learn more about physical medicine and rehabilitation
(PM&R) services for traumatic brain injury patients at Washington
Township Medical Foundation in Fremont.