What You Need to Know About Concussion

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that disrupts normal brain function. While the effects are typically temporary, they can lead to symptoms such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and problems with balance and coordination. Concussions are most often caused by a blow to the head, but can also result from violent shaking of the head and upper body.

Symptoms of Concussion:

Headache: The most common symptom experienced.
Nausea or vomiting
Confusion or disorientation
Temporary loss of consciousness
Balance problems, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Visual disturbances, such as double or blurry vision
Ringing in the ears
Sensitivity to light and noise
Fatigue or drowsiness
Changes in sleep patterns, including sleeping more or less than usual
Cognitive issues, including trouble concentrating and memory loss
Emotional changes, such as depression, irritability, anxiety, or a general feeling of being "off" or in a "fog"

Symptoms of Concussion in Toddlers:

Bumps or bruises on the head
Vomiting
Increased irritability or crankiness
Refusal to eat or nurse
Unusual sleep patterns, such as excessive sleepiness
Increased fussiness or inconsolable crying
A blank stare or lack of responsiveness

Causes of Concussion:

Falls: Common in children and older adults
Contact sports: Increased risk, especially without proper safety gear or supervision
Accidents: Car, motorcycle, bicycle, and other incidents causing head trauma
Physical abuse: Being hit or struck with an object
Previous concussions: A history of concussions can increase vulnerability

The Role of Physical Therapy in Recovery:

Physical therapists play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process following a concussion. They can assist in:

Managing neck and upper back pain associated with the injury
Addressing dizziness and balance problems through targeted exercises
Providing early treatment for visual system dysfunctions that may arise from the concussion

If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion, seeking help from a physical therapist can be an essential step in recovery, helping to restore function and ensure a safe return to daily activities.

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. Call today to schedule a consultation!

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 Tel. (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2 Resource 3

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.

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