SAN ANTONIO – As fall sports season continues in full swing, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of concussions.
“A concussion is a form of a minor traumatic brain injury,” explained Dr. Jamie Contreras, with the Greater San Antonio Emergency Physicians, or GSEP.
There can be many symptoms that indicate a concussion. These signs can be physical, such as headaches, nausea, or problems with balance.
Cognitive symptoms include problems with memory and concentration. Finally, emotional symptoms can occur, like irritability or mood swings.
Because all concussions are different, recovery time varies. Most kids heal within two weeks, but sometimes a concussion can take months to heal.
Children should be symptom-free before returning to sports. Kids should also be cleared by a physician before they return to school or sports.
“We recommend no return to play until they’re recovered from the concussion, because a second head injury can be much more severe,” Contreras said.
Remember that rest is key. The more you rest, the quicker your concussion will heal.
For more information about concussions and how to recognize and treat them, call the Greater San Antonio Emergency Physicians at 210-575-7777 or visit GSEP-PA.com.