Fall Sports Are In Full Spring. Learn More About Concussions.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function after an injury to the head. Effects are usually temporary and can include headaches, dizziness, concentration, memory, coordination, and balance.
Most concussions resolve within several days. However, you or your child should seek immediate medical care for:
- repeated nausea or vomiting,
- loss of consciousness longer than 30 seconds,
- visual disturbances,
- weakness in the arms or legs,
- difficulty with concentration or coordination,
- seizures or convulsions,
- worsening headache or slurred speech
Athletes suffering from a head injury should not return to vigorous activity if signs or symptoms of concussion occur and should wait until cleared by a physician to return to activity.
Everyone can be AT risk for concussion from a head blow, but the very young and the elderly are at the highest risk. Complications of head injuries besides concussion(s) can be post-concussion syndrome, vertigo, headaches, skull fractures, or bleeding in or around the brain. Seek advice from your IMA provider if you have a head injury and fall into this risk category.
If you cannot see your IMA Primary Care Provider, IMA Urgent Care Providers are able to assess and screen you for concussions after a head injury and make recommendations if you need further diagnostic screening or testing 7 days a week.