Concussion

Concussions are the most common head injuries and can range from mild to severe. At Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ in Summit and Montclair, New Jersey, Melissa Mascaro, MD, Joelle Stabile Rehberg, DO, and Christina Hector, DO, can help you avoid permanent and severe complications from a concussion so you can return to work, academics, or athletics. Call Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ or book an appointment online for concussion care today.

What is a concussion?

Concussions are brain injuries that happen upon impact when your brain knocks against the inside of your skull. They can also happen with a sudden and stark change in momentum. 

Just like any brain injury, it’s very important not to ignore a concussion or pretend it didn’t happen. You should seek medical care right away any time you receive a blow to the head, even if you’re unsure if you have a concussion. 

Avoiding treatment for a concussion can lead to long-lasting complications like personality changes, memory problems, and post-concussive syndrome. 

When you visit Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ with a suspected concussion, the team reviews your symptoms and asks a variety of questions. They might also give you a neurological exam. They then advise you on how to manage the concussion. 

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

You should seek treatment for your concussion even if your symptoms seem very mild, as they often can. Immediately after the concussion, you might feel dizzy or forgetful. You might even forget how the injury happened. 

Some of the most common symptoms that occur after a concussion are:

• Confusion
• Headache
• Light sensitivity
• Ringing ears
• Trouble concentrating
• Nausea
• Blurry vision
• Double vision
• Sensory changes

Symptom recovery is swift for most people when they get the necessary care. However, if you experience ongoing or additional symptoms like trouble waking up or seizures, you should immediately seek emergency care.  

How do I manage my concussion?

The team at Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ has special training in concussion management to provide you with the best care possible for your injury. They advise you to get plenty of physical and mental rest, taking time away from school or work. Unfortunately, you must also take a break from other engaging activities like video games, reading, and television.

The team offers other personalized recommendations based on your primary concussion symptoms and lifestyle. They help as you gradually integrate your usual activities back into your routine. If you get headaches as you recover, they can tell you which, if any, over-the-counter medications are safe to use. 

Call Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ or schedule an appointment online for concussion care today.