Concussion

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Treatment

Risks

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You experience any of the following:
  • Inability to answer simple questions (What day is it? What happened to you?)
  • Inability to wake up completely.
  • Increased headache that is not relieved by acetaminophen.
  • Changes in behavior, including ability to recognize family or friends.
  • Vomiting that continues after 8 hours or starts later than the first few hours after injury.
  • Pupils that are different sizes.
  • Stumbling or other problems with walking.
  • Weakness of the arms or legs.
  • Double vision.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Seizures.

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

What to Expect While You're There

• Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
• Oxygen: Your body may need extra oxygen at this time. It is given either by a mask or nasal prongs. Tell a doctor if the oxygen is drying out your nose or if the nasal prongs bother you.
• Pulse Oximeter: While you are getting oxygen, you may be hooked up to a pulse oximeter (ox-IM-ih-ter). This is a clip placed on your ear, finger, or toe and connected to a machine that measures the oxygen in your blood.
• Neuro Signs: The doctor will check your eyes, test how easily you awaken, and check your memory. These important signs tell the doctor how well your brain is handling the injury.
• CT Scan: This procedure, also called a ""CAT'' scan, is used to take a computerized x-ray of your brain.
• IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to it.
• Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or from the bend in your elbow and used for testing.
• Blood Gases: Blood is taken from an artery in your wrist, elbow, or groin. It is tested for its oxygen content.
• ECG: Also called a heart monitor, an electrocardiograph (e-LEK-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf), or EKG. Patches on your chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or a small portable box (telemetry unit). This screen shows a tracing of each heartbeat. Your heart will be watched for signs of problems that could be related to your head injury.
• EEG: This brain wave study is also called an electroencephalogram (e-LEK-tro-n-SEF-uh-lo-gram). Doctors use it to detect hidden damage to the brain.
• Activity: You may need to rest in bed. When you feel better, you will be allowed to get up.

After You Leave

• Your doctor will allow you to leave the hospital as soon as you can be watched safely at home. Remember, though, that it is possible for more serious symptoms to develop later.
• You MUST have someone with you at home for the next 24 hours in case you get worse. This person must wake you up every few hours for the first 24 hours to see if you have any of the symptoms listed under the ""Seek Care Immediately If...'' section above.
• Rest in bed for 24 hours. You may begin normal activities again after you feel better.
• Drink only clear fluids (water, soft drinks, or apple juice) until any vomiting you have suffered has stopped for at least 6 hours. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.
• You may use over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen. Your doctor should tell you which medicines to take and how to take them. Follow directions exactly.
• If you normally take other medications, ask your doctor if you should continue to take them while recovering from this injury.