Concussions: A Brief Overview

1. Concussions A Brief Overview

2. The Truth About Concussions • The least serious, but most common variety of traumatic brain injury. • Can be difficult to spot. • All athletes are at risk for major and minor concussions. • The vast majority of concussions do not cause the injured person to lose consciousness. • Aloss of consciousness for less than one minute is not an indication of the severity of the concussion. • Since children and teens can take longer to recover from concussions, the American Academy of Pediatrics urge parents to take a better-safe-than-sorry approach and assess seriously any injury that results in a loss of consciousness for over 30 seconds.

3. How to Spot a Concussion • Concussion symptoms fall into four categories: • Thinking/Remembering • Physical • Emotional • Sleep. • May experience difficulty concentrating or remembering new information. • Balance and vision issues may accompany nausea, vomiting and headache. • May be generally more emotional (anxious, easily angered, or sad). • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much can also be a symptom of a concussion. • Minor concussion symptoms may linger for days to months. • Children may have a hard time expressing or explaining their symptoms. • Inconsolable crying • Loss of appetite

4. Seeking Medical Attention • Due to concussions being a brain injury, an injured person may not be in the best position to decide about their medical needs. • Family and friends should urge injured people to see a doctor to ensure the level of care matches the severity of the injury. • “Better-safe-than-sorry” approach • While Urgent Care can tend to minor concussions, should a concussed exhibit the follow symptoms, immediately seek medical attention at risk of blood clot: • Seizure • One pupil larger than the other • Slurred speech • Progressively confused/agitated

5. Gonzaba Urgent Care • For help with a concussion • Call (210) 921-6600 • Email info@gonzaba.com • http://www.gonzabaurgentcare.com