While IBJI is happy to evaluate you during any stage of your injury, we recommend seeing our concussion treatment specialist as soon as possible after your injury to ensure the best outcomes.
If you have questions, please call our office at 847-375-3000 today.
How to Tell if You Have a Concussion
The symptoms and signs of a concussion typically show up soon after an injury. However, some symptoms may not appear until hours or even days later. If you or your child has suffered a blow to the head and are showing any of the following signs or symptoms, you should see a doctor for further evaluation.
Concussion Symptoms
- Headache or “Pressure” in the Head
- Nausea or Repeated Vomiting
- Balance Problems or Dizziness
- Sensitivity to Light
- Sensitivity to Noise
- Feeling Sluggish, Hazy, Foggy, or Groggy
- Concentration or Memory Problems
- Confusion
- Doesn’t “Feel Right” or “Feels Down”
Signs of a Concussion
- Appears Dazed or Stunned
- Confusion About a Task
- Forgets an Instruction
- Unsure of Game, Score, or Opponent
- Moves Clumsily
- Answers Questions Slower Than Normal
- Loses Consciousness
- Mood, Behavior, or Personality Changes
- Can’t Recall Events Before or After Being Hit
Post-Concussion Syndrome
A concussion is typically a short-term injury, with symptoms lasting from a couple of days to several weeks with full recovery. Symptoms beyond this timeframe are commonly called post-concussion syndrome and can persist beyond the expected time frame. If you are having persistent symptoms related to a concussion, please schedule an appointment with our concussion specialist.
Post-Concussion Syndrome Symptoms
- Headache or “Pressure” in the Head
- Nausea or Repeated Vomiting
- Balance Problems or Dizziness
- Sensitivity to Light
- Sensitivity to Noise
Baseline Concussion Testing
IBJI provides several concussion baseline options for athletes. The most straightforward and convenient is the ImPACT computerized baseline.
What Is an ImPACT Baseline Test?
The ImPACT Baseline Test assesses a patient’s:
- Attention Span
- Working Memory
- Sustained and Selective Attention Time
- Response Variability
- Non-Verbal Problem-Solving
- Reaction Time
The ImPACT baseline also assesses for pre-existing symptoms which are commonly seen in head injuries or concussions, which can be helpful during an injury evaluation. While ImPACT baseline testing isn’t diagnosticunderstanding your baseline abilities can help doctors determine if an injury has occurred and when it is safe to return to activity. (It’s not used to assess an athlete’s level of skill or ability.)
Take an ImPACT Baseline Test
You can now take an ImPACT Baseline Test using IBJI’s Sports Access app.
Download our app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to schedule a test at home. Once in the app, click to opt-in and submit the required information. IBJI will send you a unique code via email to begin your test.
For baseline tests taken at IBJI facilities, we will appropriately store test results and comply with applicable legal requirements relating to Protected Health Information (PHI) policies.
Neurological Pre-Participation Evaluations
Understanding how your athlete’s brain works prior to a head injury is the most important aspect of concussion management and long-term brain health. IBJI’s neurological pre-participation evaluation (neuro PPE) is an in-depth assessment of an athlete’s neurological function. It includes a detailed neurological examination, recommendations for safe play and optimization of long-term brain health, and a review of neurological history, including any previous concussions or other underlying issues (e.g., headaches, trouble sleeping, mood disorders) which may affect concussion assessment
Additional Concussion Treatment Options and Neurology Services
In addition to concussion treatment and care for post-concussion syndrome, IBJI’s sports neurologist also treats athletes with the following neurological conditions:
- Effects of Brain Trauma
- Anxiety or Depression
- Cognitive Concerns (Memory, Attention, Concentration, etc.)
- Migraine and Other Headaches
- Movement Disorders
- Neuropathy
- Seizure/Epilepsy
- Sleep Problems
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Stingers or Nerve Injuries
- Strokes
- Vertigo
Anthony Savino, MD
Dr. Anthony Savino is a board-certified neurologist with fellowship training in sports neurology. In addition to the treatment of all adult neurological disorders, he specializes in the management of concussion, neurological disorders including headache, sleep or mood problems and maintenance of long-term brain health in athletes of any age.
FAQs About Concussion Treatment
When Should You Go to the Doctor for a Concussion?
An athlete with a suspected concussion should not return to play while still showing concussion symptoms. A trained specialist needs to evaluate you or your child to determine the severity of the condition and recommend any treatment if necessary.
If you or your child suffer a head injury and show any of these signs or symptoms, seek emergency care right away:
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Seizures or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds
- A headache that gets worse over time
- Slurred speech or other changes in speech
- Confusion or disorientation, such as difficulty recognizing people or places
- Fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears
- Vision or eye disturbances, such as pupils that are bigger than normal (dilated pupils) or pupils of unequal sizes
- Ringing in the ears that doesn't go away
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Appearing very pale for longer than an hour
- Changes in behavior
- Obvious difficulty with mental function or physical coordination
- Changes in physical coordination, such as stumbling or clumsiness
- Lasting or recurrent dizziness
- Large head bumps or bruises on areas other than the forehead in children (especially in infants under 12 months of age)
What Happens if a Concussion Goes Untreated?
Untreated concussions put adults and kids at a higher risk of developing permanent brain injuries, mental disorders, memory problems, and behavioral issues.
Can a Concussion Go Away by Itself?
While mild concussions can typically resolve on their own with rest, getting a proper evaluation and concussion treatment plan from a doctor if you suspect one is important. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s orders and limit activity so your brain can heal.
What Makes a Concussion Worse?
Ongoing concussion symptoms that don’t resolve in a few days or weeks can signify post-concussion syndrome. The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome may include headaches, dizziness, and problems with concentration or memory and can last up to a year or more. Discuss your concussion treatment options with a neurologist if you suspect post-concussion syndrome.
