Concussion Care

A man with a concussion.

After a concussion, turn to Faith Regional Health Services for an assessment and treatment. You’ll get expert help to return to your sport, work or active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.

Diagnosis

Following a head injury, your provider will assess your symptoms and check your:

Balance
Behavioral changes
Cognitive changes
Coordination
Dizziness
Exercise tolerance
Headaches
Hearing
Reflexes
Strength
Vision

Additional Tests

Since symptoms of a concussion don’t always appear right away, your provider may request cognitive testing to evaluate your thinking abilities. You may also receive imaging tests, such as a cranial computed tomography (CT) scan.

Concussion Observation

If you receive a diagnosis of a concussion or need additional observation, you may stay overnight in the hospital. When you return home, your doctor will ask that someone stay with you for at least 24 hours to care for you and monitor your symptoms.

Treatment

When recovering from a concussion, you need to physically and mentally rest. In the first 24 - 48 hours or longer, you may need to limit tasks that require a lot of concentration or physical activity. This includes playing video games, watching television, and playing sports, all of which can worsen your symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend:

Prescription medications

To reduce concussion symptoms

Physical therapy

Such as activity and exercise tolerance, vestibular therapy, and interventions to address coordination, balance, neck pain, or headaches

Education

On safely returning to physical activities

Our physical therapists have advanced training in managing concussion-related symptoms of neck pain and vestibular function.

Sideline Safety

Maria Beck, an athletic trainer, on the sidelines of a high school basketball game. Expect timely medical attention for an injury during a local game or meet. Our sports medicine team provides sideline coverage to several area high schools and Northeast Community College. They are highly trained in assessing whether an athlete needs more medical attention or can be managed under their supervision as well as providing education to the family on when to seek further treatment. Both our physical therapists and certified athletic trainers can assist with return to play protocol.