Concussion – Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Examining Brain and Nerve Health

Doctors start by asking how the head injury happened and listen to what symptoms you describe. They also check for problems with vision, hearing, and muscle strength.

They usually test how well you can feel things, balance, walk, and react. These quick checks help spot any changes in how your brain is working or signs of injury.

Here’s a table showing what gets checked during the exam:

Area Checked	Purpose
Vision & Hearing	Find changes in senses
Strength & Feeling	Assess muscle and nerve health
Balance & Coordination	Identify brain function issues
Reflexes	Test nerve response

Tests for Memory and Mental Skills

Health professionals use simple questions and tasks to check memory, thinking, and attention. They might ask you to remember a list, count backwards, or repeat words in order.

These tasks help find confusion, memory problems, or trouble focusing—some of the main signs of a concussion.

A few things they look for:

• Short-term memory
• Focus and attention
• Ability to recall events

Brain Scans and Imaging

Doctors order imaging tests if you have strong symptoms like repeated vomiting, severe headache, blacking out, or seizures. These symptoms can mean a more serious brain injury.

• CT scans are often the first choice to look for bleeding or swelling. Adults usually get this test to check for problems in the skull or brain.
• MRIs give more detailed images and help spot changes in the brain, including issues that might last longer or lead to post-concussive symptoms.
• For kids, doctors only use CT scans if there’s a higher risk of a serious problem, to avoid unnecessary radiation.

Watching for Changes After the Injury

Someone needs to keep a close eye on you after a concussion to see if things get worse. Some people stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring, but others can rest at home if someone can watch them.

It’s important for another person to look out for changes like confusion, vomiting, blurry vision, neck pain, or odd behavior. This way, any serious problems get found early and treated fast.

Observation plays a big role in diagnosis and care, especially for kids and for anyone with risk factors for long-term health problems.

Treatment

Resting Your Body and Mind

For the first couple of days after a concussion, you really need to rest both body and mind. Health care providers say it’s best to take it easy and avoid anything that makes symptoms worse.

Try to limit things that need lots of thinking, like video games, reading, texting, or time on computers or phones. It’s also important to skip physical activities—like sports or workouts—that make symptoms flare up.

Lying in a dark room for hours without noise or screens doesn’t really help, and you don’t have to do it. Some people need less time at work or school, more breaks, or lighter workloads. Sometimes, providers suggest therapy for balance, vision, or memory problems.

Short walks, gentle stretching, or other light movement—if it doesn’t make symptoms worse—can be helpful after some rest.

Slowly Getting Back to Normal Routines

As you start to feel better, try adding more daily activities at a comfortable pace. You might do more schoolwork or work tasks as you can handle them, but still take breaks if symptoms come back.

Low-level physical activity—like walking or using a stationary bike—can help recovery once you’re feeling a bit better. Providers might recommend different steps for returning to sports, depending on age and activity level.

Don’t start contact sports or risky activities until your health care provider gives the okay. Coming back too soon can make a second injury more likely or slow down your recovery.

Example: Step-by-Step Return to School or Activities

Step	Example Activities	Signs To Move Forward
Light rest	Quiet reading, puzzles	No big symptoms
Light work	Homework, chores	Feeling better
Full activity	Full school, sports	Cleared by doctor

Managing Headache and Discomfort

Headaches are really common after a concussion. Acetaminophen is usually safe for pain, but check with your provider first. Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin right after a concussion, since these can raise the risk of bleeding.

If headaches or other symptoms stick around, talk to a medical professional. They can suggest safer ways to manage pain and might check for other issues if symptoms don’t go away.

Taking care of yourself matters for a full and safe recovery, both at home and with help from healthcare providers if symptoms last longer than expected.

Getting Ready for Your Visit

Steps You Can Take Before the Visit

Before you see a healthcare provider for a head injury, you can do a few things to make the appointment easier. First, avoid anything that could make symptoms worse.

That means no sports, skipping tough workouts, and cutting back on stressful schoolwork or screen time if symptoms flare up. Ask if there are any special instructions before your appointment.

Track all your current symptoms. Write down when they started and how often they happen. This could be headaches, dizziness, confusion, or anything that just feels off. Make a note if symptoms have changed or gotten stronger.

Put together a list of important medical info. This should include any other health problems, recent or old head injuries, and all medicines you take. Don’t forget vitamins, supplements, or herbal stuff—your provider needs to know about those, too.

Bring someone with you, like a family member or friend. Appointments can be a lot, and another person might remember details or questions you forget.

Prepare some questions for your provider. A few good examples:

• Is this a concussion?
• Do I need tests?
• What’s the best treatment?
• How long do symptoms usually last?
• Is there a risk for future problems or another concussion?
• When is it safe to play sports or exercise?
• When can I go back to school or work?
• Is it safe to drive?

If you have other concerns, add those to your list.

Checklist to Bring to Your Visit:

Item	Completed (✔/✘)
List of symptoms
Details of when symptoms started
List of medicines and supplements
Medical history
Questions for the provider
Family member or friend to help

Questions Your Healthcare Provider Might Ask

During the appointment, the provider—maybe a family doctor or a specialist—will ask about the head injury and your symptoms. Having clear answers really helps them decide what to do next.

Here are some common questions you might get:

• Do you play any sports, especially contact sports?
• How did the injury happen?
• Did you have any symptoms right after?
• Can you remember events before and after the injury?
• Did you pass out or lose consciousness?
• Did you have a seizure?
• Any nausea or throwing up?
• When did you get a headache, if you had one?
• Any problems with balance or coordination?
• Trouble remembering things or focusing?
• Did you notice any changes in eyesight or hearing?
• Mood changes, like feeling anxious, sad, or irritable?
• Did you feel slower or more tired than usual?
• Any problems with sleep or waking up?
• Changes in taste or smell?
• Feeling dizzy?
• Any other issues that are bothering you?
• Have you had a similar injury before?

Being ready with these answers saves time and helps the conversation go smoother.

Tip: Jot down a few notes about your answers before you go so you don’t forget anything important. Practice with the person coming along if you want.

Actions to Take While Waiting for the Visit

While you’re waiting to see a healthcare professional, avoid activities that make symptoms worse or put you at risk for another injury. Skip sports, rough play, or heavy exercise until your doctor says it’s okay.

Rest as needed, but try to keep your normal sleep habits. It’s fine to do light activities like household chores or reading, as long as symptoms don’t get worse.

If you have a headache, acetaminophen is usually safe, but don’t use aspirin or ibuprofen since they can increase bleeding risk if you have a concussion.

Only return to school, work, or driving after checking with your provider. If symptoms get worse or new ones show up, reach out to a healthcare provider right away.

Suggestions to help recovery:

• Skip active sports or games.
• Rest somewhere quiet.
• Cut back on screen time if it causes headaches or vision problems.
• Drink enough fluids and eat as usual.
• Follow any medical advice you got before the appointment.

Summary Table: Safe Actions vs. Actions to Avoid

Safe to Do	Not Safe Until Provider Says
Light daily chores	Playing sports
Reading or quiet games	Vigorous physical activity
Acetaminophen for headache	Taking aspirin or ibuprofen
Gentle stretching if comfortable	Risky or rough play
Normal sleep routines	Skipping rest or sleep

Always wait for medical advice before doing anything risky. For any worries before the appointment, call your healthcare provider or family doctor. It’s always better to be careful with head injuries.