Visit an Emergency Room Instead of Urgent Care Clinic : Concussion
The danger of a concussion during sports is real, and unfortunately, most people don’t know how serious it can be. Concussions are relatively common injuries—particularly in football and hockey, but also in soccer and basketball. A concussion occurs when a direct blow causes your brain to shake inside your skull. This causes chemical changes in your brain that affect memory and cognitive functioning—sometimes for weeks or months at a time. The best way to treat concussions is by staying out of sports for at least several days following an injury until you’re feeling better. If you’re still experiencing symptoms after that point, see a doctor immediately; they may recommend additional recovery time or medication so you can get back on track quickly without risking further injury.
Even if you don’t lose consciousness, you may still be at risk for a concussion. The effects of concussions are cumulative, so keep an eye out for symptoms in yourself and others. If your symptoms worsen over time, or if you’re experiencing any new issues that seem related to your injury (such as irritability or headaches), consider seeing a doctor. It could save your life.
If you’ve experienced a blow to your head, you should be checked for concussion even if there is no observable injury or loss of consciousness. Because symptoms of a concussion may not become apparent immediately, it’s important that anyone who has suffered a blow to their head gets proper evaluation. You should also see a doctor if you have any memory loss before or after an injury, severe dizziness or headache, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and noise, trouble with balance or coordination (especially in children), or any visual problems. If you think someone might have suffered a concussion during contact sports such as football or hockey (which often result in mild trauma), it’s crucial that they get proper evaluation by a medical professional.
