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.