Head injuries shouldn’t be taken lightly. A fall or sports injury can result in anything from a minor bump to a traumatic brain injury. One possible—and common—outcome is a concussion. Many people may not fully understand what a concussion is or how it should be handled. Let’s explore what you need to know.
At Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care, we want you to be equipped for life’s accidents. In addition to concussion urgent care, we provide a wide range of other services 7 days a week at our convenient Thibodaux, Houma, and Gray locations.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild brain injury that causes a change in brain function and usually results from an impact to the head. Changes may be temporary and can include headaches or other symptoms and difficulty with balance, sleep, mood, or concentration. Falls or sports injuries are among the most common causes of concussions. People who experience a concussion usually have a full recovery.
What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?
Being able to recognize the symptoms of a concussion is vital to ensure the proper care and treatment. Symptoms may include:
- Headache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Drowsiness.
- Blurred vision.
- Dizziness.
- Ringing in the ears.
- Confusion.
- Amnesia (forgetting what happened).
You might observe signs of a concussion:
- Slurring of speech.
- Forgetfulness.
- Losing consciousness.
- Delay in answering questions.
Other concussion symptoms might not show up for a few days after a head injury:
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Emotional changes.
- Irritability.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Difficulty remembering information.
Concussion symptoms in young children can be a bit more difficult to recognize, since they often can’t verbalize how they feel. Indications your infant or child has a concussion may include:
- Irritability.
- Fussiness or unusual crying.
- Listlessness.
- Vomiting.
- Appearing dazed.
- Sleep changes.
- Lack of appetite.
When to Go to an ER for Concussion Treatment
A more severe head injury should be treated in an emergency room. Go to an ER if you notice these symptoms:
- A worsening headache.
- Blood or other fluid draining from the ears or nose.
- Vision changes.
- Unequal pupil sizes.
- Ringing in the ears.
- Losing consciousness for more than 30 seconds.
- Disorientation.
- Confusion.
- Behavior changes.
- Slurred speech.
- Lack of coordination, including stumbling.
- Ongoing dizziness.
- Seizures.
- Bumps or bruises on the head or around the eyes or ears.
- Worsening of any symptoms.
When to Go to Urgent Care for a Concussion
Stopping the activity, allowing your child to rest, and seeing a provider right away after a head injury and suspected concussion is essential. If you or your child are experiencing mild concussion symptoms (such as a headache, light sensitivity, or mild confusion), you are fully conscious, and your condition isn’t worsening, urgent care is an excellent choice for concussion treatment.
If you or your child has a concussion, ensure you see a provider within 1 or 2 days, even if the injury didn’t require emergency care.
Concussion Treatment at Urgent Care
At urgent care, an experienced provider will discuss your injury and symptoms and perform a physical exam. Providers can use concussion assessment protocols to evaluate your condition, assess the severity of your concussion, and help you choose the right treatment.
Typically, your provider will advise you not to return to the same activity or certain other activities until you’ve had adequate time to rest and recover. For instance, after a concussion due to a sports injury, a child may need to wait before returning to school and before gradually resuming sports participation. It’s essential to follow these instructions to ensure recovery and prevent complications.
If you or a family member has had an injury and you suspect a concussion, don’t hesitate to get to urgent care right away. Prompt treatment is important to ensure the proper care and recovery. For your convenience, Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care is available 7 days a week for walk-in visits. With short wait times and excellent providers, we can provide the concussion treatment you need.
