Concussion Treatment Doctor in Brooklyn, NYC & NJ

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion occurs when the head or body is hit or suddenly jolted, causing the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This traumatic brain injury damages the brain cells and disrupts the normal functioning of the brain.

A concussion can affect your physical, mental and emotional well-being with symptoms that may last for a few days, a few weeks or even longer in some cases. It also increases the risk of developing long-term problems, such as chronic headaches, cognitive impairment, depression and dementia. Seek medical attention as soon as possible after a concussion.

The doctors at Neuro Injury Specialists  in New York and New Jersey are specialists in neurology, pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Mark Cohen, Dr. Dmitriy Dvoskin and Dr. Leon Reyfman provide you with a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for concussion. They also monitor the recovery process to prevent further complications.

What Are the Common Causes of Concussions?

You can get a concussion if you get a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and upper body. Falls are the most common cause of concussions, especially among older adults and young children. They cause the head to hit the ground or another object, resulting in a concussion.

Car accidents are also major causes of concussions and other types of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This happens due to the sudden impact or whiplash of the head. The head may hit the windshield, steering wheel, dashboard or airbag, or be thrown back and forth by the force of the collision.

Other common causes of concussions include:

• Sports injuries. Concussion incidences are common in high-contact sports such as football, basketball, soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, field hockey and wrestling. These sports involve collisions, tackles, hits and falls that cause the head to be struck or shaken. Other sports that increase the risk of concussions include cycling, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding and martial arts.
• Violence. Violence can also cause concussions due to physical abuse, assaults or gunshot wounds. These can result in direct blows to the head or shaking of the head and neck. Domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse are some examples of violence that can lead to concussions.
• Explosions cause concussions due to the blast waves that can affect the brain. This can happen in military combat, terrorist attacks or industrial accidents. The blast waves can cause the head to move rapidly or create pressure changes in the brain.

What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?

Signs of a concussion indicate your need to be evaluated by a physician. After your injury, a qualified doctor can rule out a more serious problem that requires immediate medical attention. For example, people with a concussion may pass out or black out for a few seconds or minutes after the injury. This doesn’t always happen, but when it does, it can be a sign of severe brain injury.

A severe concussion may also cause sudden, involuntary muscle spasms. Pupil changes where one pupil becomes larger than the other can indicate increased pressure in the brain. This can be a sign of a life-threatening condition.

Other signs and symptoms include:

• Weakness or numbness. Weakness or numbness in the arms, legs, face or other parts of the body indicate damage to the nerves or spinal cord.
• Slurred speech or difficulty speaking. A concussion may cause difficulties in forming words, expressing yourself or understanding others. This can indicate damage to the brain areas involved in language.
• Increased or persistent headache. A headache that gets worse over time or doesn’t go away can indicate bleeding or swelling in the brain.
• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog. A concussion may cause trouble thinking clearly, remembering things or following instructions. You may also feel disoriented, dazed or stunned.
• Memory loss or amnesia. Sometimes a person with a concussion may not remember what happened before, during or after the injury. You may also have difficulty forming new memories or recalling information.
• Dizziness or balance problems. You may feel dizzy, lightheaded or unsteady. You might also have trouble walking, standing or coordinating movements.
• Nausea or vomiting. It’s not uncommon to feel sick in the stomach or throw up soon after the injury or later on.
• Vision or hearing problems. A concussion causes blurry or double vision, sensitivity to light, ringing in the ears or difficulty hearing.
• Mood or behavior changes. You may experience changes in your emotions or personality. You may also have unexplained mood changes and become more irritable, angry, sad, anxious or depressed. A concussion also causes impulsive and aggressive behavior in some cases.
• Post-concussion syndrome. This is a condition that involves persistent symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, memory loss and difficulty concentrating that last for weeks, months or even years after the injury.

What Are the Best Concussion Treatments?

Your concussion doctor usually recommends physical and mental rest to allow your brain to heal and recover from the injury. You should avoid activities that may worsen your symptoms or put you at risk of another head injury. This includes sports, exercise, driving and other physical tasks.

You should also limit mental activities that require thinking and concentration, such as reading, studying, working or using electronic devices. You should follow your doctor’s advice on when and how to resume your normal activities gradually.

The doctor may also recommend other treatment for concussion including:

• Medication. The doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve your symptoms or prevent complications. For example, you may take painkillers or anti-nausea drugs.
• Depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms, you may need therapies that can help improve your balance, coordination, movement, speech, language, memory and thinking skills.

Concussions are brain injuries with the potential to cause adverse physical and mental effects. A severe concussion can also be life-threatening. If you’ve suffered a concussion, you need qualified medical attention and concussion treatment as soon as possible.

Contact Neuro Injury Specialists in New York or New Jersey for the intervention needed to deal with concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. They have the expertise, experience, and equipment to help you recover with an effective concussion treatment plan.