Concussion Program
A concussion is no mere bump to the head; it is a traumatic injury to the brain caused by a jolt or blow. The blow does not have to be severe to cause a concussion.
Concussions are serious because they can permanently change how the brain works. This can lead to long-term complications such as depression, concentration difficulties, chronic headaches and mood changes. The potential for these problems means that getting the right kind of treatment is essential.
Our caring, collaborative team at the UCI Health Concussion Program, in collaboration with Trauma & Critical Care Surgery Services and Emergency Medicine Services, will accurately diagnose your injury and then work collaboratively to ensure your full recovery and return to normal activities.
We offer comprehensive testing, treatment, counseling, pain management and complete follow-up care to ensure your physical, cognitive and mental health.
Concussions have both short-term symptoms as well as more serious, long-term complications such as brain damage and neurologic deficits.
Getting the right kind of care and treatment is crucial to your recovery from a concussion. Unfamiliarity with the sometimes-subtle signs of a concussion may lead to missed diagnoses, delayed and disjointed care and a greater risk of complications.
Concussion symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms after a blow to the head, it is a sign of concern. Call your physician for direction and advice.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion
- Fatigue
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- Blurred vision
- Dazed feeling or grogginess
- Difficulty with concentration
- Difficulty organizing and completing daily tasks
- Sensitivity to noise or light
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Long-term complications
Concussions can alter how the brain functions, leading to long-term complications, including:
- Depression
- Sleep pattern disruption
- Attention and concentration difficulties
- Chronic headache
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- Mood changes
- Deteriorating performance at school or work
- Difficulty with daily tasks and organization
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Learn more about concussions, their causes and how to prevent them ›
When you visit the UCI Health Concussion Program team, you will be thoroughly assessed and evaluated for any signs of a concussion.
The initial medical evaluation includes:
- Diagnosis and treatment of acute brain injury
- Evaluation of chronic, persistent symptoms
- Counseling for athletes with a history of concussion who desire continued sports participation
Our team then creates a treatment plan and a follow-up care plan. As part of your follow-up care, we:
- Guide you as you make the decision to return to normal activities
- Monitor your progress to ensure your complete recovery from concussion
- Offer pain management for headaches and other chronic pain symptoms associated with concussion injuries
- Provide occupational rehabilitation and physical therapy to help you return to work
- Offer neuropsychological counseling
Learn more about how we evaluate and treat concussions ›
The UCI Health Concussion Program has a collaborative and compassionate team dedicated to your complete recovery.
We collaborate closely with Trauma & Critical Care Surgery Services and Emergency Medicine Services.
All of our team members are trained to identify the sometimes-subtle symptoms of a concussion. For the most accurate diagnosis, we provide comprehensive testing to assess your condition following a blow to the head.
Once you have been evaluated, our team creates a plan of care for you based on your condition and the extent of your injury. Your treatment is designed to maximize your recovery while minimizing the risk for long-term complications.
Our team includes:
- Neuropsychologists
- Neurologists
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- Neurological surgeons
- Psychologists
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