In recent years, the prevalence of concussions in contact sports has been a topic of increasing concern. Not only have concussions made headlines related to huge sports groups such as the NFL, but it has become apparent that concussions happen more often than anyone previously thought in youth sports leagues. What can you do to prevent a concussion, and how damaging are they really? Read on to find out.
Concussion Diagnosis and Care Near Hillsdale, NJ
A concussion is a type of traumatic head injury caused by a direct blow to the head. The actual injury that is inflicted from this type of trauma is caused when the brain is aggressively shaken against the walls of the skull, causing swelling and the death or damage of brain cells. Concussions are not life-threatening, and they commonly occur in sports or accidents such as car accidents, but can happen from something as simple as a fall.
Although there is no set amount of concussions you can get before further serious damage occurs, the more concussions you get, the longer and more serious the recovery will be. With fall sports season among us, it is important to understand the risk that concussions pose to athletes so that correct action can be taken if a patient has a suspected concussion. AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale, our medical professionals can quickly diagnose a concussion and provide a treatment plan for a speedy recovery.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Although non-life threatening, concussions can severely impact one’s quality of life for a period of time after the injury. Although some people may, you do not need to lose consciousness to get a concussion. It is important to understand the symptoms of a concussion so that you can seek medical treatment.
Common concussion symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Being bothered by light or sound
- Feeling sluggish
- Blurry or double vision
- Memory loss
Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the injury and severity, as well as whether the patient has suffered from previous concussions. Although concussions do not require any medical treatment, it is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have a concussion to search for signs of a more serious injury and further damage that could lead to life-threatening complications.
AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale has a team of medical professionals who can perform an examination and diagnostic testing to ensure your concussion is correctly diagnosed. We accept walk-ins to ensure you’re able to seek fast diagnosis when you need it without the need for an appointment.
Does a Concussion Require Urgent Care?
The suggested treatment for a concussion includes resting and avoiding irritants such as bright lights and loud noises to give your brain the rest it needs. There is no medication to help treat concussions. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as nausea or headaches, your medical provider may be able to suggest over the counter medications to help relieve minor symptoms.
It is important not to rush the recovery period following a concussion. Although the symptoms may be mild enough to push through the pain, the average recovery time for a concussion is 14-21 days. This recovery period is important to ensure there are no lingering symptoms after your recovery.
Get Sports Related Concussion Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale
Although concussions are not typically a life-threatening injury, it is very important to respond accordingly when you suspect you may have one. The symptoms can range from very mild to crippling, and medical diagnosis is recommended to ensure there are no further complications from the impact. Although we do not require appointments, you can pre-register your appointment with us here.
If you suspect you may have a concussion, AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale is here to help. With no appointment required, you can seek care 7 days a week when it is convenient for you. We accept most major insurance plans and offer discounted payment options for those paying out of pocket for their medical care. If you’re unsure whether you may need evaluation for a concussion, call today to speak directly to one of our medical professionals at (201) 523-9222.
