Expert Emergency Care for Concussion
Whiplash from a car accident, a severe impact while playing sports, or a fall can all lead to a traumatic head injury called a concussion. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care at Dignity Health Central Coast if a head injury occurs with trouble talking or walking, severe headache, blurred vision, or unconsciousness.
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury and occur when your brain moves forcefully and suddenly in your skull. Our emergency doctors can diagnose and provide personalized treatment for concussions.
Diagnosing Signs of Concussion at Dignity Health St. John's
Your specific concussion symptoms and the results of your physical exam provide your doctor with important details about your head injury. Your doctor may also use imaging, including a CT or MRI scan, to diagnose your concussion.
Common signs of concussion are:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to noise or light
- Trouble sleeping
- Ringing in your ears
- Fatigue
- Hard time concentrating
- Changes in personality, depression, or irritability
Your symptoms may start immediately after your head injury or develop within a few hours or days.
Trusted Concussion Treatment & Prevention
Treatment of concussion involves mostly resting. You will need complete rest from both physical and mental activities to help you get better. Avoid activities that require thinking and concentration, such as reading or using a computer. Your doctor may even recommend taking time off or having shortened work or school days.
Preventing concussion involves a few simple steps, such as always using your seatbelt, protecting yourself in contact sports, and wearing helmets and other protective gear during sports and recreational activities.
To learn more about how to prevent or treat a concussion, talk to one of our experts.