Concussion & Head Injury
Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury
Diagnosis, Management & Treatment
A concussion is the result of a traumatic injury that causes the brain to move violently in the skull, damaging cells and impairing brain function. Falls, blows to the head, auto and bike accidents and sports injuries often produce concussions, which may be mild and show no initial symptoms—or may be severe with loss of consciousness. Concussions are distinguished from other acute brain injuries by the fact that imaging does not show bleeding or pooling of blood in the skull. Nonetheless, these injuries should be taken seriously, and patients need to be monitored for symptoms that appear hours or even days after the initial impact.
Sports Concussion & Prevention
Recent studies have revealed the prevalence of serious long-term health risks from concussions caused by sports injuries. In many cases, these risks are increased in those with repeat concussions that occur before the brain has healed from the initial injury.
Athletes, student-athletes and amateur participants in organized sports and fitness activities should observe safety practices like wearing helmets in sports known for falls and blows to the head. In addition, if a head injury or concussion occurs, an individual should be encouraged to rest and refrain from the sports activity until the brain has had ample time to heal.
Princeton Brain, Spine & Sports Medicine: Specialists in Sports Concussion
Dr. Nirav Shah and the neurosurgeons at PBSSM specialize in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries like sports concussions. In addition to providing post-concussion management and evaluation, the doctors of PBSSM educate the community: presenting at schools, on TV and radio about the dangers of untreated concussion. To schedule a baseline test or post-concussion evaluation with Dr. Shah, call 215.741.3141 in Pennsylvania, 609.921.9001 in New Jersey, or contact PBSSM online. We are committed to your neurosurgical health and are proud to provide many of the area's amateur and professional sports teams with concussion services and education about safe concussion practices.
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