A traumatic injury to the brain could result in a concussion. In some cases, the signs of a concussion may not appear for several days or weeks. While most individuals recover from a concussion, scheduling an appointment with a physician can pinpoint potential concerns when dealing with a concussion.
If symptoms of a concussion are present, a doctor has several options for evaluating a patient. Based on the finding from these assessments, a doctor prescribes the necessary treatment for recovery.
A neurological exam
After asking about the injury and symptoms, a doctor may start with a neurological exam. This assessment involves checking your hearing and vision, testing your balance and coordination, checking your reflexes and evaluating your strength and the different sensations you experience.
A cognitive test
As a concussion is the result of a brain injury, a doctor will check your cognitive skills to determine the extent of the damage. The doctor may evaluate your concentration, short or long-term memory abilities and processing times for recalling information.
An imaging test
When individuals present with symptoms like seizures, severe headaches or vomiting, it could indicate a more serious injury. It requires special imaging to get a look inside the skull and brain to check for swelling or bleeding. These could develop into life-threatening conditions. An X-ray, MRI or CT scan are possible imaging options.
A blow to the head, a car crash or slipping and falling while out shopping could cause a concussion, potentially causing problems with coordination, balance, memory or headaches. Protect your health by visiting a physician if you suffer a head injury.
