Concussion diagnosis, treatment & management

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurring from a blow to the head or body. The symptoms associated with a concussion are caused by a temporary change in how cells in the brain use energy.

How long does a concussion last?

Research has shown concussions typically resolve within seven to 10 days. However, multiple factors, such as past health problems, genetics and family conditions, as well as the type of impact that was sustained, can affect how long a person experiences symptoms.

Symptoms are not reliable measurements of whether a concussion is still ongoing because they can either last longer than the concussion or may not be present at all. The best way to determine if your concussion has resolved is through an evaluation by a health care professional with concussion expertise.

What are common symptoms of a concussion?

Concussions feel different to each person and symptoms are unique to the individual. No two people experience the exact same symptoms. Additionally, a person may experience each concussion they have differently.

Some common concussion symptoms include:

• Headache
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Anxiousness
• Depression
• Problems sleeping
• Feeling “foggy”

When should I go to the emergency department?

If you experience the following symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency department right away for evaluation as something besides a concussion may need to be addressed:

• Inability to wake up
• Weakness on one side of your body
• Difficulty speaking
• Severe increase in pain
• Vomiting several hours after the injury

6 things to know about concussions

1. Any blow or force to the head, neck, face, chest or back can cause a concussion.
2. About 90% of concussions happen without losing consciousness or blacking out.
3. Concussion symptoms are not the same for everyone. And you might have different symptoms each time you get a concussion. For these reasons, everyone’s treatment and recovery process is unique.
4. Rest is important for someone with a concussion, but – contrary to popular belief – you don’t need to rest in a dark, quiet room and have someone wake you up every hour. You can return to school, study, work and light exercise while your symptoms improve. Get evaluated by an expert Aurora Health Care provider before returning to contact sports.
5. Helmets and other safety equipment should be worn to prevent skull and facial fractures, as well as other injuries to the head, but they provide minimal protection against concussions.
6. When treated appropriately and early, concussions can resolve and symptoms can improve within a short period of time.

Expert diagnosis and care for concussions

We treat people of all ages with the goal of returning them to the activities and sports they enjoyed prior to concussion. Our team of doctors, physical therapists and athletic trainers receives ongoing training in the understanding and treatment of concussions and related injuries and conditions. Based on our expertise and experience, we’ll tailor a personalized care plan for each patient to address their specific needs.

Request an appointment with a concussion management specialist.

Dr. Kate Essad

Our concussion care team is led by Dr. Kate Essad, a board-certified neurologist with advanced training in sports neurology, exercise science, sports psychology and sports management. As the only sports neurology fellowship-trained physician in Wisconsin, she’s experienced in assessing and treating athletes of all levels, including elite competitors. Her goal is to optimize her patients’ symptom-free performance while helping them safely reach their professional and personal goals.

Concussion Management Network

Our Concussion Management Network provides quick access to specialty care when you have a concussion or related conditions. We work with professional and recreational athletes, injured workers and everyone in between – just ask for a referral from your provider. Our concussion specialists offer a variety of treatment options and individualized concussion care.

Within two business days of receiving your referral, the licensed athletic trainer who staffs our Concussion Management Network will contact you directly. They’ll offer immediate concussion triage and schedule an appointment for you with the appropriate specialist.

Since everyone experiences a concussion differently, we’ll create a plan specific to your recovery. To help you achieve your goals, we provide guidelines for returning to learning and work, along with individualized plans to facilitate the recovery process.

Email our Concussion Management Network.