5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU THINK YOU'VE BEEN CONCUSSED
[Back]

Author: Kim Harmon, MD
Article Photo
  1. When should I get further evaluation? 
    If you think you have been concussed, you should see someone knowledgeable about concussion who can make an assessment about whether or not you have had a concussion.
     
  2. When should I think about going to the emergency room? 
    Worsening symptoms such as persistent or worsening nausea or vomiting, severe worsening headache, worsening unsteadiness or loss of balance, amnesia, worsening mental status and worsening drowsiness.
     
  3. Do I need a CT scan or MRI? 
    Only if your doctor is concerned that something other than a concussion may be occurring.
     
  4. Should I be awakened frequently to make sure I'm OK after my concussion? 
    No. Disrupting sleep in someone who has a concussion will worsen the symptoms. You should have a responsible person with you after a concussion.
     
  5. When can I return to play? 
    This decision is different for everybody and needs to be individualized and with guidance from a medical professional. In general, however, you can try some easy exercise only after all your symptoms have returned to their pre-injury baseline and then increase the intensity gradually as long as your symptoms don't increase.

[Back]

SPORTS MEDICINE TODAY NEWSLETTER

PODCASTS

HOME
WHAT IS A SPORTS MED PHYSICIAN?
ARTICLES
BEGINNER TRIATHLETE
POSITION STATEMENTS
AMSSM

FIND A SPORTS DOC

Please enter a search term relevant to the search type. For US States - use only letter abbreviations.
 
Choose Search Type
Enter Search Term

Zip Code:
Choose Search Radius:
2024 © The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine website created by  the computer geek
website security by: Website Guardian