Treatment
An initial neurological evaluation by a health care worker determines appropriate treatment for an uncomplicated concussion.
If a blow to the head during athletics leads to a bad headache, a feeling of being confused (dazed), or unconsciousness, a trained person must determine when the person can return to playing sports.
If a child or young adult has lost consciousness, that person should not play sports for a period of 3 months. There is an increased rate of brain injury and occasionally death in persons who have had a previous concussion that resulted in unconsciousness.
Concussion complicated by bleeding or brain damage must be treated in a hospital.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Full recovery is expected from an uncomplicated concussion, although prolonged dizziness, memory loss, decreased mental functioning, irritability, headaches, and other symptoms may occur.
Complications
- Bleeding in the brain (intracerebral hemorrhage)
- Brain injury that results in physical, emotional, or intellectual changes or deficits
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if anyone has a head injury that produces unconsciousness, or a head injury without unconsciousness that produces symptoms that cause concern.
Call 911 or go the emergency room if emergency signs develop.
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Concussion : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Concussion : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Concussion : Treatment
Review Date : 1/16/2009
Reviewed By : Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
