FAQs about Concussions

Concerned about possible concussion symptoms? Read on to learn more about this distressing injury, and if you or someone you know has recently experienced a head or neck injury, schedule a consultation with Dr. Fowler of Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA.

What is a Concussion?

Also called a traumatic brain injury, a concussion is typically the result of a blow, bump, or jolt to the head that causes the brain to bounce back and forth or twist inside the skull. Although concussions usually aren't life-threatening, the sudden movement can have dangerous consequences and severe long-term effects because it raises the risk of damaging brain cells and creating chemical changes. The outcome is a temporary, or in some cases, persistent, disturbance of healthy brain function.

What are the Symptoms?

Observation is critical during the first 24-48 hours after injury. Concussion symptoms can negatively influence school, work, and social life, which is why patients must seek medical attention immediately. Following a concussion, the victim should visit our Winchester, VA, Concussion Clinic if they notice:

  • Emotional - Increased irritability or changes in mood, behavior, personality, nervousness, and anxiety
  • Cognitive - Confusion, difficulty concentrating or remembering, foggy or hazy feeling inside the head, disorientation
  • Physical - Headache or increased pressure in the head, vision problems, numbness/tingling, extreme fatigue, nausea, and vomiting

If you or a loved one is questioning the severity of the trauma, visit our Winchester Neurological Consultants as soon as possible. Dr. Fowler can accurately assess the signs, determine a diagnosis, develop a customized treatment plan, and make any necessary accommodations.

How Do Doctors Diagnose and Treat Concussions?

To accurately diagnose a concussion, Dr. Fowler will ask questions about how you acquired the injury, what happened afterward, and the symptoms you're experiencing. He may also order additional testing such as an MRI or CT scan of the brain, if necessary, to detect bleeding or swelling. If a concussion is confirmed once all tests are complete, treatment will depend on the level of severity. However, conventional methods include over-the-counter pain relievers, and lots of mental rest that include refraining from technology, cell phone use, video games, and television.

Concerned? Give Us a Call

You don't have to be an athlete to acquire a concussion. If you or a loved one has experienced head or neck trauma from an automobile accident or bad fall, consult with the concussion care team at Winchester Neurological Consultants. Dr. Fowler can perform a proper evaluation and discuss treatment options for children as well as adults. For more information about our Concussion Clinic, the other conditions we treat, or the services we provide, visit our website. For appointment scheduling at our Winchester office, please call (540) 667-1828.

Winchester Neurological Consultants

Office Hours

DOORS OPEN AT 8:15AM

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed