Charlotte Concussion Assessment & Care

Concussion Assessment & Care in Charlotte, NC

Living an active lifestyle in Charlotte, North Carolina, means enjoying basketball at Freedom Park or biking along the various scenic bike routes. However, many sports and recreational activities come with concussion risk. Concussions can be scary, especially if you have never experienced one before and don’t know what to expect. At Carolina Sports Clinic, we believe you deserve a Charlotte concussion assessment & care team that understands how to treat you.

If you or someone you love has suffered a concussion in Charlotte, North Carolina, the team at Carolina Sports Clinic is here to help you. Our premier sports recovery clinicians have helped professionals and everyday folks achieve the care they need. From the Carolina Panthers to amateur mountain bikers, Carolina Sports Clinic is here to help you get back on your feet following a concussion.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion occurs when there has been a large impact suffered by the head or elsewhere on the body that causes the acceleration or deceleration of the brain inside the skull. These medical emergencies are most common during sporting events, such as in football, where 63% of all concussions occur, but can happen due to everyday activities too, such as going for a hike or even walking into the grocery store and slipping on slick floors.

When a concussion happens, the impact of the injury causes a biochemical imbalance to occur within the cells of the brain. This can result in decreased blood flow and even lead to temporary energy deficits within the brain.

The symptoms of a concussion can either be subtle or extremely obvious, depending on how severe your concussion was. At Carolina Sports Clinic, our highly-trained team is here to assess and care for all types of concussion symptoms, including:

• Balance issues and severe dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Pressure in the head
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Memory and focus issues
• Feeling frustrated, anxious, or irritable
• Issues with sleep habits
• Dealing with vision problems, like double vision or sensitivity to light

When an individual suffers an acute concussion, there are certain red flags to be on the lookout for that may indicate a much more serious problem, such as a brain bleed, which could lead to uncontrolled swelling of the brain. If any of these symptoms are present in your case, an immediate medical evaluation is crucial:

• Slurred speech
• One pupil is larger than the other
• A loss of coordination or increased dizziness
• The inability to wake up or an increase in drowsiness
• The inability to recognize familiar people or places
• Loss of consciousness
• Increased agitation or confusion

If you or a loved one is dealing with any of these symptoms, getting to the nearest medical emergency room is vital. Then the team at Carolina Sports Clinic can take over.

During the acute phase of a concussion, typically the first 7-10 days, the brain is highly vulnerable, and a second injury before full recovery can cause rapid brain cell damage or severe complications. To prevent this, anyone suspected of having a concussion should be immediately removed from sports activities and evaluated by a trained professional, such as a doctor or athletic trainer, to ensure proper care and recovery.

Treating Concussions with Carolina Sports Clinic

Treating a concussion early on is the right course of action over playing the waiting game to see if your symptoms will simply get better on their own. Seeking early treatment can also help prevent more serious conditions in the future. Many patients will recover within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of their initial injury. At Carolina Sports Clinic, we are here for you every step of the way.

If you suffer a mild concussion, such as when slipping on wet tile or falling from your bicycle, your care will ultimately start with taking care of yourself. After seeking an assessment at Carolina Sports Clinic, we may ask you to take one or a combination of the following care steps:

• Good recovery and good sleep go hand-in-hand, but too much sleep can actually harm your recovery. Your physician from our team will help you find the perfect balance when it comes to your recovery, sleeping habits, and can offer tips on how to get good sleep during this time.
• Eating well. Healthy, nourishing food is important to your recovery. It will help your digestion get back on track and can also impact how you think and how you feel.
• After a mild concussion, it can be helpful to get back into regular, yet safe, exercise. Our team can help you develop a plan that will assist in your recovery, while also ensuring you do so in a safe manner.
• Drinking fluids. Staying on top of hydration with a concussion is crucial to your recovery. Water helps your brain work and can also lessen the intensity of any headache symptoms.
• Reducing stress. One of the greatest ways to heal is by reducing stress and relaxing. It might help to sit in a quiet space, meditate, and listen to music.

If you have suffered a severe concussion, the team at Carolina Sports Clinic may recommend certain tests to evaluate your critical thinking ability, motor skills, and overall vision. These tests could indicate the need for certain treatments, such as:

• Cognitive therapy. This therapy can assist with your memory, thinking, speed of brain processing, and attention.
• Physical therapy. This form of therapy can help with pain and any loss of balance, movement, or strength you may be feeling.
• Certain medications can assist with symptoms like headaches and help improve your mood, memory, focus, and attention.

Speak with the Right Concussion Care Provider Today

If you or a loved one suspects a concussion or has sustained one, the team at Carolina Sports Clinic is here to help. Don’t let a concussion or other injury hold you back. At Carolina Sports Clinic, no matter your background, we are here to provide you with the personalized care and attention you deserve and get you back on your feet and doing what you love. Book an appointment today.