Concussions: What You Need to Know (and When to Get Checked)
Protecting Your Brain Health—On the Field and Beyond
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head—or even a hit to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull.
Despite being called “mild,” concussions are serious injuries that can affect how your brain functions—impacting memory, balance, mood, and overall health.
At Aslan Health, we commonly see concussions from:
- Student athletics
- Workplace injuries
- Falls (especially in children and older adults)
- Motor vehicle accidents
Common Signs and Symptoms
Concussion symptoms don’t always appear right away. They may develop minutes, hours, or even days after an injury.
Physical Symptoms
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred vision
Cognitive Symptoms
- Confusion or feeling “foggy”
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
Emotional Symptoms
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
Sleep Changes
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Trouble falling asleep
When to Go Straight to the Emergency Room (Not Aslan Health)
While many concussions can be safely evaluated in a clinic setting, some symptoms require immediate emergency care.
🚨 Go to the Emergency Room or call 911 right away if you or your child has:
- Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
- Repeated vomiting
- A worsening or severe headache
- Seizures or convulsions
- Slurred speech
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking
- Unequal pupil size (one eye larger than the other)
- Increasing confusion, agitation, or unusual behavior
- Difficulty waking up or extreme drowsiness
- Clear fluid or blood coming from the nose or ears
These may be signs of a more serious brain injury—such as bleeding or swelling—that requires advanced imaging and emergency intervention.
When Aslan Health Is the Right Place
If symptoms are mild to moderate and stable, Aslan Health is a great option for:
- Headaches or mild dizziness after a hit
- Suspected concussion without red flag symptoms
- Sports-related injuries
- Follow-up care and return-to-play evaluations
- Ongoing symptom monitoring
We provide affordable, timely care without the high cost of an ER visit—when it’s safe to do so.
Why Concussions Matter
A concussion is not something to “shake off.”
Without proper care, it can lead to:
- Prolonged symptoms (post-concussion syndrome)
- Increased risk of future concussions
- Second impact syndrome (rare but life-threatening)
For student athletes, returning to play too soon can be especially dangerous.
What to Do After a Head Injury
1. Stop Activity Immediately
If a concussion is suspected, remove the individual from play, work, or activity right away.
2. Get Evaluated
Even mild symptoms should be checked by a healthcare provider.
3. Rest and Recover
Recovery requires both:
- Physical rest (limiting exertion)
- Cognitive rest (reducing screen time, schoolwork, and mental strain)
4. Gradual Return to Activity
A step-by-step return to normal activity is essential to avoid setbacks or reinjury.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Most people recover within:
- 7–14 days for adults
- Up to 4 weeks (or longer) for children and teens
However, recovery varies. Some individuals may need additional time and support.
Preventing Concussions
While not all concussions can be prevented, you can reduce your risk:
- Wear proper protective gear (helmets, mouthguards)
- Follow safety rules in sports
- Use seat belts
- Reduce fall risks at home
- Strengthen neck and core muscles
When to See a Doctor
You should seek medical care if:
- You suspect a concussion
- Symptoms persist or worsen
- You’ve had multiple head injuries
- Your child has any head injury
👉 When in doubt, err on the side of caution. If symptoms seem severe or concerning, go to the ER first.
Concussion Care at Aslan Health
At Aslan Health, we believe in caring for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
We offer:
- Affordable, transparent pricing
- Same-day appointments and walk-ins
- Care for uninsured and underinsured patients
- Compassionate, Christ-centered care
Whether it’s a sports injury, fall, or accident, we’re here to help guide you safely through recovery.
Final Thoughts
A concussion may be “invisible,” but its effects are very real.
Don’t ignore the signs. Early evaluation and proper care can make all the difference in a full recovery.