When should I worry about a concussion?

While most patients who experience a concussion or injury to the head will often recover with proper care, many patients in the area of Long Island may specifically be worried about what to look for as a more serious problem. When should rest and recovery be recommended over more serious intervention? When is a traumatic brain injury considered a more serious problem that requires treatment? At the Orthopedic Associates of Long Island, our professionals are here to help when problems arise, and can aid in a faster recovery and education on traumatic brain injuries, or TBI’s.

What are some common signs that a brain injury has occurred?

Anyone who has had impact to the head and neck may be at a high risk of being diagnosed with a concussion. A concussion itself is often mild, but there are certain indications that the condition is much worse than initially thought. Some common signs of a mild concussion may include:

  • Changes in emotions
  • Difficulty remembering information or thinking clearly
  • Nausea and vomiting in the early stages
  • Headache and sensitivity to light and noise
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more

Mild signs of a concussion often require rest and monitoring. But there are certain signs that the condition has become worse and may indicate the time to seek immediate medical attention. Some of the danger signs seen in adults include:

  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Unusual behavior
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Chronic and severe headache
  • Weakness/numbness
  • Poor coordination
  • Slurred speech
  • Inability to wake up from sleep
  • One larger pupil than another
  • Inability to recognize people or surroundings
  • Restlessness and agitation

For children, monitoring for signs of being inconsolable or unwilling to eat is important, as these may be seen in conjunction with the symptoms above. If anyone presents these symptoms following an injury to the head or neck, it is time to visit the emergency department as soon as possible for further evaluation.

Speak to one of our professionals today

Whenever you have a concern about a medical problem that can be solved by an orthopedic professional, we urge you to contact our facility to schedule an evaluation. Call the Orthopedic Associates of Long Island today at (631) 689-6698 to request an appointment at one of our seven convenient locations throughout the area.

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Our Offices

MAIN OFFICE

6 Technology Drive
Suite 100
East Setauket, NY 11733

COMMACK

500 Commack Road
Suite 150B
Commack, NY 11725

RIVERHEAD

715 Roanoke Ave.
Building A, Ste. 3
Riverhead, NY 11901

WADING RIVER

6144 Route 25A
Building A Suite 4 & 5
Wading River, NY 11792

CENTEREACH

2112 Middle
Country Road
Centereach, NY 11720

PATCHOGUE

55 Medford Avenue
Suite E
Patchogue, NY 11772

SOUTHAMPTON

325 Meeting House Lane
Building One
Southampton, NY 11968

WEST BABYLON

60 Fleets Point Drive
Suite 1
West Babylon, NY 11704

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