Concussions Specialist

What are the signs of having a concussion?

People with a concussion may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Dazed feeling
• Irritability
• Visual problems
• Lack of balance
• Poor coordination
• Mental confusion

There's no single test for diagnosing a concussion. A CT scan detects bleeding and swelling in the brain, and MRIs detect brain abnormalities, but neither is a foolproof test. New research indicates that a hearing test may help determine if a patient has a concussion.

Dr. Garcia asks patients to perform a series of physical and mental tasks to help diagnose a concussion after a blow to the head. He checks balance, coordination, reflexes, vision, and hearing. He also tests memory, the ability to recall information and concentrate, and also looks for signs of mental confusion.

What preventive measures can athletes take?

Before a patient embarks on regular exercise or a sports activity, Dr. Garcia recommends taking a baseline concussion test online that measures reaction time, memory capacity, the speed of mental processing, and executive functioning of the brain.

Then, if a patient suffers an injury that may be a concussion, performance after the injury can be compared with the baseline performance.

What is the most effective treatment for concussions?

Patients who lose consciousness after a blow to the head require treatment at a hospital. For a mild concussion, Dr. Garcia recommends taking the following measures:

• Rest
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers
• Do not engage in sports or vigorous exercise
• Avoid driving
• Cessation of alcohol

If the concussion is causing significant problems, Dr. Garcia writes a note excusing patients from school or work. The brain needs complete rest from mental tasks, including watching TV or using a computer. When returning to normal activity, it needs to be done in small steps.

Most people recover from a concussion with no complications. Some patients, though, take months to recover and may experience persistent symptoms related to the injury.

What are the dangers of a concussion?

In some instances, a concussion causes a blood clot in the brain. If a person displays any of the following symptoms after a blow to the head or body, they must go to the emergency room:

• Headaches that worsen and do not go away
• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Slurred speech

If individuals start having seizures or cannot fully wake up, someone with them needs to call 911.

To learn more about concussions, call Dr. Garcia today or make an appointment using the online booking tool.