You may not think that hitting your head is a big deal, but a concussion can interfere with how your brain functions. At Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy in Silver Spring, Maryland, Dr. Andrew Gordon, Director of Concussion Management, has developed a concussion management program to help monitor your concussion symptoms and ensure you get the treatment you need when you need it. To learn more about the program or to schedule your initial consultation, book online or call the office today.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury. Your brain is made of soft tissue surrounded by spinal fluid, and when it’s stricken, your brain moves around in your skull, causing bruising, blood vessel damage, and nerve injury.
These brain injuries can lead to abnormal brain function. You may have trouble seeing or speaking, and you may even lose consciousness.
If you injure your head, you may be at risk for a concussion. Typically caused by a blow to the head, concussions can result in a range of symptoms, including:
If you have a concussion, you may experience mild or severe symptoms. Your concussion symptoms may appear right away, or they may take a few hours to begin. The symptoms can last for a day, weeks, or even longer.
Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy initiates concussion management with all patients who experience a head injury or trauma. After a head injury, your doctor monitors your symptoms and categorizes them to develop the appropriate course of treatment.
During concussion management, each patient is one-on-one with a staff member, ensuring they get the attention they need until they’re no longer symptomatic. Your Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy doctor may order a CT scan or MRI to determine the extent of your brain injury and ensure there’s no brain bleed.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and concussion, they evaluate the type of concussion you have and test your symptoms. Your doctor develops a return-to-play plan for your sport or physical activity.
Although concussions occur unexpectedly and can’t be 100% prevented, you can reduce your risk. If you play sports, wear correctly fitting protective head and mouth gear. That includes contact sports like football and rugby, and also activities like horseback riding and bicycling.
When you drive, wear a seatbelt, and don’t drink and drive. Avoid physical fights and altercations.
If you think you may have developed a concussion, don’t wait: Seek medical attention and call the office today to schedule your appointment or book it online.
