After you have one concussion, you’re five times more likely to sustain a second one, and that significantly increases your risk of more serious brain damage. The experienced team at Spine Center Atlanta performs in-depth diagnostic testing and offers advanced therapies that help your brain heal. If you have a concussion and have balance problems, memory issues, or other symptoms, call one of the seven offices in Atlanta, Savannah, Conyers, Augusta, Macon, and Decatur, Georgia, or book an in-person or telemedicine appointment online today.

What causes a concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when a direct impact makes your head snap back and forth. As a result, your brain collides with your skull.

Though many concussions develop after a blow to your head, a forceful impact anywhere on your body can create the whiplash effect that causes a concussion.

Even though concussions seem mild, the trauma can still damage nerves, bruise your brain, and affect brain function.

What symptoms occur if I have a concussion?

People who have a concussion seldom lose consciousness; if they do, it’s only for a few minutes. After a concussion, you may have immediate symptoms, or your symptoms may not appear for days or weeks.

When your symptoms appear, you experience one or more of the following:

• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance
• Seizures
• Vision problems
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression

Even if you have mild symptoms or feel fine, you still need a thorough exam and proper treatment to be sure your brain heals.

How is a concussion diagnosed?

At the practice’s Concussion Center Atlanta, the team performs multiple rounds of testing, evaluating your brain for structural issues and neurological function. They may perform testing such as:

MRI with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)

This specialized MRI creates images of the brain’s white matter, showing diffuse nerve injuries.

Balance Tracking System (BTrackS™)

The BTrackS diagnoses and rehabilitates balance problems.

Videonystagmography (VNG)

This test diagnoses balance disorders by measuring involuntary eye movement.

ImPACT® testing

The ImPACT test is a computer-based exam that evaluates cognitive function. Athletes take preseason testing for baseline information. Then they take the test after a head injury. Comparing the results of the two tests shows the severity of their concussion.

How is a concussion treated?

The first line of treatment for a concussion includes physical and mental rest. Pushing your brain to perform will slow down healing. Suffering another minor blow to your head while your brain recovers can lead to more severe brain damage.

The team at Spine Center Atlanta also offers treatments such as:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen while under pressure. The pressure allows your lungs to absorb more oxygen than normal. The extra oxygen promotes healing in your brain and improves concussion symptoms.

Vestibular therapy is a specialized type of physical therapy to treat dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance.

If you need expert care for a concussion, call Spine Center Atlanta or book an appointment online today.