About 3.8 million people in the United States get concussions each year. More often than not, concussion-related headaches are confused with migraines or tension-type headaches, which is why it is crucial to see a doctor after your injury. Whether you injure your brain while playing sports or doing physical activity, or experience any other type of impact to your head, the team at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine in New Jersey is here to help you.
Our offices are located in Westfield, West Orange, Morristown, Ridgewood, and Middletown in New Jersey, and serve all of Union county, Morris county, Middlesex county, and Somerset county. We also provide support to the surrounding towns of Cranford, Garwood, Clark, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Springfield, Summit, Chatham, Millburn, Short Hills, Maplewood, Watchung, Berkeley Heights, Livingston, Union, Edison, Woodbridge, and Elizabeth. If you suspect that you have a concussion, don’t hesitate to call Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine or request an appointment online today.
For appointments, call us or book online at any of our convenient locations in Middletown, Morristown, Ridgewood, Westfield, and West Orange.
What is a concussion?
Approximately 12,000 to 15,000 New Jersey residents suffer brain injuries from traumatic events each year. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury you can get after receiving an impact or rigorously jostling your head. It is most common in athletes or your regular New Jersey warriors that enjoy physical activity. However, you can also get one during a car accident, a fall, or another type of mishap.
Inside your skull, your brain is suspended in cerebrospinal fluid. This prevents it from moving around too much as you make everyday movements and even allows you to tolerate some more mild blows to the head.
If you’re hit in the head too hard, your brain may knock against the inside of your skull. This is what causes a concussion. In severe cases, this causes bleeding inside or around your brain. As a result, your brain functioning changes temporarily.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Concussions have many typical symptoms that vary from case to case. In some cases, you won’t notice any symptoms immediately following your injury.
Your concussion symptoms might include:
- Headaches (often confused with common migraines)
- Amnesia (memory loss)
- Confusion
- Feeling foggy
- Ear ringing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Light or noise sensitivity
Other issues might present themselves after your concussion, like changes to your personality. You may not notice them yourself, but someone else will.
How is a concussion diagnosed?
The New Jersey team at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine includes Credentialed ImPACT® Consultants (CIC). This means that they completed an extensive training program that allows them to provide top-of-the-line concussion assessment and care.
The team performs neurobehavioral and neuropsychological tests and assesses your symptoms. They may use the Biodex BioSway™ machine to help analyze your balance and coordination. The machine includes a platform for you to stand on and an attached screen. You’re encouraged to make certain movements and changes in your stance with games and training instructions.
The team uses the BioSway throughout your treatment to assess your progress and make sure you’re ready to get back to school, work, or sports once you recover.
What treatments are available for concussions in New Jersey?
It is important that you know that you can’t continue engaging in physical activities or sports until you fully recover and your symptoms dissipate. Your physician at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine might also recommend:
- Taking time off from school or work, then returning gradually
- Light non-contact cardiovascular exercise
- Limiting your TV, smartphone, and computer time
- Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve headaches
- Returning for frequent assessment
- Physical therapy
- Vestibular rehabilitation
In concussion cases, our team in New Jersey works closely with physical therapists, neuropsychologists, and other specialists to ensure a rounded treatment approach and a comprehensive recovery.
Your physician lets you know when it is safe to fully resume sports, school, work, or other activities.
Request your concussion evaluation by phone or online at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine promptly after your injury.
