The Importance of Treating A Concussion

Experts estimate millions of concussions happen every year, with around 300,000 occurring in football alone. 

While many concussions are sports-related, you can get a concussion any time you experience a blow to the head. These are traumatic brain injuries that occur when your brain knocks against the inside of your skull. 

Concussions might seem mild. While your first instinct may be to get up, brush yourself off, and return to the game, you should never ignore a possible concussion. 

Our expert multidisciplinary team at Delaware NeuroRehab in Dover, Delaware, can speak to the importance of treating a concussion because of the long-term impact an untreated concussion can have on your brain function. 

Concussions can permanently impact brain function. Fortunately, prompt treatment can minimize their impact. Keep reading to learn more.

Recognizing a concussion 

The first step in getting proper treatment for a concussion is recognizing when one happens. 

Concussion symptoms aren’t always apparent immediately, so you should err on the side of caution and treat any head injury as a possible concussion. You might experience a concussion while playing sports, after falling and hitting your head, or during a car accident. 

Symptoms of a concussion can show up minutes, hours, or days after the impact. The person with a concussion might experience: 

• Confusion or memory problems
• Sluggishness
• Brain fog
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness 
• Double vision or blurry vision
• Light sensitivity
• Noise sensitivity

Those around the person with a concussion might observe:

• Clumsy movement
• Slow or slurred speech
• Mood changes
• Behavior changes
• Personality changes
• Uneven pupil sizes

A concussion doesn’t always result in loss of consciousness, but it can occur. A loss of consciousness should always be taken seriously, even if it’s brief. 

What to do when you suspect a concussion

If a concussion happens during sports or physical activity, it’s important to stop playing immediately. All suspected concussions require medical attention, so you should book an appointment as soon as possible. 

A concussion calls for mental and physical rest. Exerting yourself after a brain injury can worsen the effects. That said,  it’s important to consult a medical professional because too much rest can also prolong recovery. 

Monitor your symptoms and report them to our team. Keep track of activities or circumstances that worsen symptoms, such as reading, screen time, or listening to loud music. 

Concussion treatment and neurorehabilitation

Our Delaware NeuroRehab team uses a comprehensive approach to concussion care. We evaluate your injury using objective tools and tests, including balance assessments, RightEye® for vision disturbances, and quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) technology. 

Based on our findings, we typically recommend a gradual return to daily activities coupled with helpful therapies to improve symptoms, including:

• Vision therapy
• Vestibular and balance therapy
• Headache treatments and medications
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy

Our team’s recommendations depend on the severity of your brain injury, your symptoms, and the parts of your brain most impacted by the concussion. 

Get in touch for professional concussion care

Delaware NeuroRehab invites you in for a comprehensive concussion evaluation if you suspect a concussion. Our team can tell you more about the importance of treating a concussion and what to expect during recovery. To book, call the office or request an appointment online today.