Concussion consultations

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that may be caused by a blow to the head or a violent jolt. This trauma disrupts your brain function and may cause you to lose consciousness. A concussion occurs when a blow to the head or jolt causes your brain to slide back and forth and against the inner walls of the skull. This movement stretches and damages the brain cells, which affects your brain’s ability to function properly.

• Headache
• Nausea & vomiting
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Dizziness & lightheadedness
• Balance issues
• Double vision
• Blurry vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Sensitivity to light
• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Memory and concentration problems

Concussions can be very common among infants and young children who fall frequently. Additionally, older adults who struggle with balance and mobility are at a greater risk of a fall that can result in a concussion. Severe head trauma can lead to bleeding in or around the brain, a complication that may be fatal.

If you or your child experience a blow to the head that’s more serious than a slight bump, call 9-1-1 or seek emergency care right away. Not all concussions cause a loss of consciousness, so it’s important that you or your child gets medical attention even if they are not knocked unconscious. Brain injuries require monitoring and medical care to avoid complications such as those listed above.