Concussions are a common injury, but do you know which types require more professional rehabilitation services? It can be tempting to brush off the symptoms of a concussion and hope they’ll go away on their own, but this can have serious consequences down the line. Concussions are a serious matter, and seeking medical attention at a concussion clinic in Denver can make all the difference in your recovery process.
If you’re on the fence about visiting a concussion rehabilitation clinic, like McWhorter CNR, we’re here to provide guidance for your recovery process.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussions and head injuries can occur due to a violent bump, blow, or jolt to the head. This could be due to a high-impact collision or a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Concussion symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and can range from mild to severe depending on the head injury. Here are some of the most common symptoms of concussions:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Mood effects and emotional dysregulation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Memory loss or confusion
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
To properly diagnose and treat a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention soon after the injury or once you start experiencing symptoms. If left untreated, a concussion can lead to long-term damage to the brain and potentially life-threatening complications. Concussions can also have a significant negative impact on daily life, including difficulty with concentration, memory, and mood.
You should seek medical attention immediately following a head injury, as symptoms may not appear right away. Even mild head injuries can lead to a concussion, so it's better to err on the side of caution and see a doctor sooner rather than later.
When to Visit a Concussion Clinic in Denver
A concussion clinic should be the first place you go after your injury as this type of clinic will aid your rehabilitation and recovery. It's especially important to visit a concussion clinic if you've experienced multiple concussions or if your symptoms are severe or long-lasting. A concussion specialist can help you manage your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that works for you and restores neurological function to pre-injury state.
Even if you've received medical treatment for a concussion, it's still important to follow up with a concussion clinic in Denver to ensure a successful recovery and that there are no lingering effects from the injury. This can help prevent long-term health problems and improve your quality of life.
As a rule of thumb, it’s best to schedule a consultation at a concussion clinic as soon as possible following the head injury after receiving initial medical attention at a hospital or doctor’s office, no matter the severity of the head injury. The rehab services at the clinic can prove to be invaluable for your recovery journey.
What to Expect During a Consultation at a Concussion Clinic
During your visit to a concussion clinic, you can expect to receive a thorough evaluation from a healthcare professional trained in concussion management. You may also undergo a physical examination, which may include neurological tests, balance tests, and cognitive assessments to determine the full extent of your concussion and any associated injuries. From there, a personalized treatment plan will be developed to support your rehabilitation and it may integrate several innovative therapies and treatments.
Depending on the severity of your concussion, you may be asked to undergo imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out any more serious injuries. Remember to follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider and to allow yourself time to fully recover before returning to activities that could potentially cause another concussion.
Treatment Options for Concussions
Concussion patients should be receiving proper stimulation through specific treatments as close to the onset as possible. This gives them the best chance of restoring proper function and avoiding deficits.
During your recovery, you may explore a variety of treatments at your concussion clinic in Denver. For instance, at McWhorter CNR, we utilize many science-backed therapeutic interventions that are customized to your exact treatment needs. These may include therapies like:
Treating a Sports-Related Concussion
When treating a sports-related concussion, it’s important to limit mental stimulation, like screen time and reading, until symptoms have resolved. Patients can perform these activities to tolerance, but should stop if it exacerbates symptoms.
Athletes that suffer from concussions are often given a return-to-play protocol by a clinician that gives them a step-by-step process for recovery to help them safely get back to their sport. The protocol at McWhorter CNR is specifically designed by Dr. McWhorter with a variety of therapies. We encourage concussion patients right away to seek treatment, as should any doctor. Even a small concussion should be treated.
After the patient completes the treatments, Dr. McWhorter conducts a series of functional tests to determine if they are cleared. If the patient is still showing signs of symptoms or deficits, we create another protocol for more treatment and then retests the patient before clearing them to play.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the athlete has fully recovered from their concussion and is not at risk for re-injury or long-term consequences. It is important for athletes, coaches, and parents to understand and follow the return-to-play protocols in order to prioritize the athlete's health and well-being over their desire to return to the sport as quickly as possible.
Tips for Preventing Concussions in the Future
- Wear protective gear, such as helmets or mouthguards, when engaging in high-impact activities like contact sports or riding a bicycle.
- Explore ways to strengthen your neck muscles, which can help to absorb the shock of impact and reduce the risk of head injury.
- If you have any reason to suspect a concussion has occurred, seek medical attention right away.
Trust McWhorter CNR to Support Your Concussion Recovery
At McWhorter CNR, we believe that no two brain injuries are alike. Whether you’re working through your first concussion, are an athlete who’s suffered through many, or were involved in an accident that’s led to a traumatic brain injury, McWhorter CNR has the resources to support you all the way through your successful recovery. We’ll build a customized treatment plan that integrates several unique therapies and modalities and aligns seamlessly with any existing treatment strategies.
Learn more about our concussion treatment options and team today by scheduling a consultation with McWhorter CNR.