Mild Concussions: Symptoms and Treatment
A concussion is a temporary disruption of brain function caused by head trauma. While people might think a concussion can only occur if someone is knocked unconscious, mild concussions can happen without ever losing consciousness. Because of this reason, it is important to be vigilant in checking for symptoms after someone suffers head trauma, no matter how mild.
The Symptoms of a Concussion
There are multiple symptoms associated with mild concussions, including:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
Some people with concussions feel normal after a few hours, but others can have symptoms for weeks or months. If you have suffered an injury to the head, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment are essential for the recovery process because it may reduce the risk of developing long lasting side effects.
How Concussions are Diagnosed
In order to diagnose a concussion, your physician will likely check your vision, hearing, balance, reflexes, and coordination. He or she may also conduct tests to assess your memory and concentration. Once a medical professional determines that you have a concussion, he or she will likely recommend treatment that includes:
- Rest
- Avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs
- Avoiding physically demanding activities
- Following your medical professional’s orders on driving a car, riding a bike, or operating other machinery
- Using pain medicine as directed
At FastMed Urgent Care, our goal is to get you in and out within an hour, starting your road to recovery in no time. Our experienced medical professionals are dedicated to providing the highest quality to care to everyone who walks through our doors. We are open with extended hours 365 days a year. If you get injured on a weekday, weekend, or holiday, FastMed will be there to help.