Description
Concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory problems, cognitive difficulties, vertigo (head "spinning") and personality changes can last for weeks and sometimes months after the impact that caused the concussion. It is important to avoid a second head injury during this period since severe and permanent damage can occur (second impact syndrome).
Symptoms
Headaches, dizziness, memory problems, cognitive difficulties, vertigo, personality changes.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan and/or MRI may be done to rule out other causes of the symptoms. Computerized tests to check how well you perform simple tasks with your brain can be used to measure a baseline score in athletes, and can be used to track recovery (and safety of return to play) following a sports-related concussion event.
Tests:
CT Scan
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan and/or MRI may be done to rule out other causes of the symptoms. Computerized tests to check how well you perform simple tasks with your brain can be used to measure a baseline score in athletes, and can be used to track recovery (and safety of return to play) following a sports-related concussion event.
Tests:
CT Scan
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Treatment
There is no specific cure but resting the brain (getting sleep, taking breaks from work or school-work) may speed recovery. Treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms and may include: pain medications, psychotherapy, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.