Concussions:

Exam and Treatment

Intro	Recovery
Symptoms & Early Medical Attention	Prevention
Exam & Treatment

What is the exam like?

Depending on how severe your injury is, your health care provider (HCP) may suggest applying ice, taking medicine, and being observed. He/she may ask you a few simple questions such as "When is your birthday?", "What is your middle name?", or "What day is it?" These questions may seem silly, but asking if you can remember simple things is a way of finding out if your memory has been affected. Your health care provider will look at your eyes and your ears, and check your reflexes, your blood pressure, and balance. If necessary, your HCP will do further testing such as a CT scan or an MRI to make sure you don't have any bleeding inside of your head. You might also be referred to a neuropsychologist to evaluate your thinking abilities in greater detail.

What is the treatment for a concussion?

Treatment for a concussion is based on a number of things, including your age, overall health, if you've ever had a concussion in the past, and if you need stitches. This is why an evaluation by a health care provider is needed.

General treatment for a concussion is about:

• Stopping the activity that caused the injury
• Stopping any other physical activity that could possibly cause more trauma to your head
• Physical rest
• Resting your brain

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Written and reviewed by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 8/18/2011