The month of March is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. The Apalachee Boys Soccer team sat down with Bethwel Raore, MD, FAANS to discuss concussions and what to do if you get one.

A concussion is bruising of the brain that occurs when the brain is rattled in the skull. This can happen by body to body contact, body to hard surface contact, head to soccer ball, etc. There are many ways a concussion can occur and it is important to know that signs/symptoms of one.

Some common symptoms/signs of a concussion include but are not limited to: nausea, vomiting, neck pain, balance issues, slurred speech, etc. It is important that if there is a suspected concussion to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If you are continuously vomiting or pass out seek emergency medial treatment. Your doctors will conduct a series of test to determine if you have a concussion.

The first 24-48 hours it is important that you rest. After the initial resting period, limit physical activity or anything that is going to require intense concentration (reading, video games, using a phone/computer). Listen to your body, don’t return to activities too quickly.

Everyone is different and will have a different care plan tailored to each person. Some take longer to recover than others, and that’s okay. Once all of your symptoms are clear and you have been cleared by your provider, you can return to regular activities.

Apex Spine and Neurosurgery offers concussion testing at all of our offices. Located in Bethlehem, Columbus, and Suwanee. You can call us or request an appointment online.