Five Things to Ask Your Doctor if You Think You’ve Been Concussed

AMSSM member Kim Harmon, MD, a sports medicine physician, concussion expert and lead author of AMSSM’s position statement, Concussion in Sport, said there are five things you can ask your doctor if you have had a concussion or think you may have been concussed.

When should I get further evaluation?
f you think you have been concussed, you should see someone knowledgeable about concussion who can make an assessment about whether or not you have had a concussion.

When should I think about going to the emergency room?
Worsening symptoms such as persistent or worsening nausea or vomiting, severe worsening headache, worsening unsteadiness or loss of balance, amnesia, worsening mental status and worsening drowsiness.

Do I need a CT scan or MRI?
Only if your doctor is concerned that something other than a concussion may be occurring.

Should I be awakened frequently to make sure I’m OK after my concussion?
No. Disrupting sleep in someone who has a concussion will worsen the symptoms. You should have a responsible person with you after a concussion.

When can I return to play?
This decision is different for everybody and needs to be individualized and with guidance from a medical professional. In general, however, you can try some easy exercise only after all your symptoms have returned to their pre-injury baseline and then increase the intensity gradually as long as your symptoms don’t increase.