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Concussions

Nassau Suffolk Neurology > Concussions

concussion treatment from a neurologist near me

Suffering an injury to the brain that results in a loss of normal brain function is known as a Concussion. Usually, someone who has a concussion may experience confusion, and not remember the before or after events of the injury. Most medical professionals will make it clear that there is no such thing as a “minor” concussion. It is crucial that you seek medical attention as soon as possible even if your symptoms aren’t too serious. This is especially crucial if you’re going on your second or third concussion not too long after the first. If that is the case, you may want to contact a neurologist near West Islip. Waiting to see if you get better without having the proper tests or examinations can lead to permanent disabilities.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by head impact, whether or not the person loses consciousness. While concussions usually are not life-threatening, the effects can be serious. A concussion may cause a wide range of physical symptoms, emotional changes, and cognitive disturbances.

Symptoms of a concussion can appear immediately following a concussion or be delayed for hours or even days. Common concussion symptoms include:

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Blurred vision or light sensitivity

  • Trouble concentrating or memory issues

  • Fatigue

  • Confusion or “brain fog”

  • Irritability or mood swings

Some symptoms may last only a few days, while others can persist, especially in children and adolescents or those with multiple concussions.

Different Types of Concussions:

Concussions are broken down into three different grades. Mild being grade 1, Moderate being grade 2, and Severe being grade 3. A neurologist near West Islip can determine the severity of your concussion depending on the factors involved. The grades can be identified in the following ways:

  • Grade 1 – There is no loss of consciousness and the symptoms only last for about 15 minutes or less.
  • Grade 2 –  Again, no loss of consciousness during this stage, but your symptoms will last longer.  
  • Grade 3 – You lose consciousness for a few seconds.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI) that temporarily affects brain function and can result from a blow to the head, a jolt to the head, or a sudden head or body movement that causes the brain to move within the skull. Though concussions are common, particularly among athletes who play contact sports, they are still serious injuries that require prompt evaluation and care from a qualified health care provider.

At Nassau Suffolk Neurology, we understand how a concussion can impact your daily life, especially when symptoms of concussion linger or interfere with physical activities, school, work, or sports. Our team is here to help diagnose a concussion, manage concussion symptoms, and support you through the recovery process.

How Does a Concussion Happen?

A concussion occurs when a person experiences a blow to the head or head impact that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can damage brain cells and create chemical changes in the brain, leading to the signs and symptoms associated with a concussion.

Common scenarios that may cause a concussion include:

  • Falls

  • Car accidents

  • Sports injuries during a contact sport or sport or activity

  • Fights or physical altercations

  • Being struck by an object

Athletes with concussions, especially high school athletes and college football players, are at risk of another concussion if they return to play too soon. A second concussion before fully healing from the first can lead to second impact syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition.

Diagnosing a Concussion

To diagnose a concussion, a health care provider will assess your symptoms, ask about the injury, and perform a neurological exam. They’ll evaluate memory, balance, concentration, and reflexes. In some cases, imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to rule out more serious injuries.

If you or someone you know has hit your head, it’s important to get a concussion checked by a medical professional—even if symptoms usually seem mild. Concussions aren’t always obvious, and concussion signs can be subtle, especially in children and adults who may struggle to explain how they feel.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a Concussion do not always appear right away. They can take up to 24 hours to appear and last for days or even weeks. The most common symptoms include a headache, memory loss, and confusion. Aside from those you may experience:

  • Pressure in your head
  • Feelings of fogginess
  • Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in your ears
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Having delayed responses to questions
  • Fatigue

What to Expect After a Concussion

Recovering from a concussion takes time, and the healing process can vary from person to person. Most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, but some may experience persistent post-concussive symptoms that last for months. These may include:

  • Headache

  • Difficulty thinking clearly

  • Mood changes

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Symptoms that last longer than expected

This condition, known as postconcussion syndrome, can be particularly frustrating. At Nassau Suffolk Neurology, we help patients manage lingering symptoms, monitor recovery, and make personalized recommendations for safely resuming activities and sports.

Living with Concussion and Preventing Further Injury

Living with concussion symptoms can affect every part of your life—from school or work performance to relationships and emotional well-being. Our team emphasizes health tips, education, and compassionate care throughout your recovery.

For those who play sports, returning too soon increases the risk of repeated concussions, which can cause long-term problems with brain function. Our neurologists use evidence-based return to play protocols and guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading authorities to ensure that athletes return safely.

Symptoms such as headache, difficulty concentrating, or dizziness must be taken seriously. Continuing to play through symptoms of concussion can worsen the symptoms and increase the risk of another head injury.

Concussions in Children and Adolescents

Traumatic brain injury among children and teens is a growing concern, particularly with the popularity of contact sport like football, soccer, and hockey. If your child has a concussion, monitor for signs of a concussion such as confusion, sluggishness, or sudden behavior changes.

In children and adolescents, symptoms can last longer than in adults, and cognitive rest (reducing screen time, avoiding homework, etc.) is often part of the care for a concussion.

Multiple Concussions and Long-Term Effects

Having one concussion increases the risk of another concussion, especially if the brain hasn’t fully healed. Multiple concussions over time may lead to chronic issues with memory, emotional regulation, and mental clarity. These risks make it even more important to avoid another head injury before fully healing.

At Nassau Suffolk Neurology, we provide long-term care for individuals with repeated concussions, athletes with sports-related concussions, and those with concussion signs related to earlier injuries.

When to Seek Medical Care

People with a concussion should seek medical attention if they experience:

  • Worsening headache

  • Seizures

  • Slurred speech

  • Repeated vomiting

  • Weakness or numbness

  • Increased confusion

  • Loss of consciousness

These may be signs of a more serious injury that requires immediate care.

Getting Back to Normal After a Concussion

Returning to your regular routine should be gradual. Start with rest, then slowly reintroduce physical activities under the guidance of your health care provider. If you’ve suffered a concussion, avoid drugs or alcohol, limit screen time, and be patient—healing the brain takes time.

If symptoms worsen, persist beyond a few weeks, or affect your ability to function, consult a neurologist for a full evaluation. Nassau Suffolk Neurology specializes in managing concussions and postconcussion syndrome to help patients get back to living a healthy, active life.

Trust Nassau Suffolk Neurology with Your Concussion Care

Concussions are serious, but with proper evaluation and care, most people fully recover. At Nassau Suffolk Neurology, we offer comprehensive concussion care tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether you’ve experienced a concussion, are living with concussion symptoms, or want to safely return to play, our team is here to help.

Don’t let a concussion go untreated. If you or someone you love has suffered a concussion or is showing signs and symptoms of mild TBI and concussion, contact Nassau Suffolk Neurology to schedule an evaluation and get the support you need to heal safely and effectively. A concussion is not an injury to take lightly. It’s important to seek out treatment as soon as possible to ensure no further trauma can be caused. If you are looking to get a full examination after receiving a concussion, look no further than Nassau Suffolk Neurology. With the help of Dr. Anthony Adamo, a neurologist near West Islip, you can count on making a full recovery. Contact us today to make an appointment!

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