Concussion

A concussion is a common type of brain injury most often caused by a direct blow to the head or sudden head movement that causes temporary brain malfunction. When the head is hit unexpectedly, the brain can move and hit the skull, affecting memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance and coordination. A concussion may also be caused by a sports related injury, a motor vehicle accident or from being violently shaken. Most concussions are considered mild injuries, and people usually fully recover from this condition.

Symptoms of a Concussion

Patients with a concussion may experience symptoms that last for days or even weeks that may include:

Confusion
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
Slurred speech
Headache
Sensitivity to light

Some people may not even be aware that they have a concussion, or may not develop symptoms until several hours or days after the injury. A concussion may lead to bleeding in the brain, which can be a serious and fatal condition. It is extremely important to seek medical attention if a concussion is suspected after an injury.

Diagnosis of a Concussion

A physical examination and review of all symptoms may assist a doctor in diagnosing a concussion. A neurological evaluation is performed to check vision, hearing, balance, coordination and reflexes. Cognitive testing may also be performed to evaluate memory and concentration. Additional diagnostic tests of brain function may include:

MRI scan
CT scan

After a concussion, doctors may be concerned with the severity of the condition and if any internal bleeding or swelling has occurred.

Treatment of a Concussion

The most common treatment for a concussion is rest. Patients may be advised to refrain from sports or physical activity for one to two weeks after the concussion. The exact amount of time is determined by the physician. Headaches related to a concussion may be treated with acetaminophen. It is important that patients have fully recovered before resuming sports and other physical activity, as they are at a higher risk of developing a second concussion.

The risk of a concussion may be reduced by practicing safety at all times, including wearing a seat belt in the car, wearing a helmet during certain activities, and using appropriate protective gear when participating in sports.

NCAA Concussion Diagnosis and Management Best Practices

Biceps Strain Or Something More?

Pain in your biceps makes it challenging to go about your life. Persistent discomfort can leave you wondering if there is a deeper issue. If you’re wondering if the pain in your biceps is something to worry about, here are a few things to look for as you prepare for a trip to the doctor.

Characteristics of a Bicep Strain

A bicep strain can present itself in several ways, and all may come with varying degrees of pain. Bicep strains typically start in the upper arm, close to the shoulder, and often accompany a popping sound. The pain can be sudden and intense and described as a “burst of pain.”

Other signs of a bicep strain include

Weakness in the shoulder
Inability to rotate the arm
Bruising

Risk Factors for Bicep Strains

Activities or sports with repetitive arm motions, such as baseball, football, or tennis, can increase your risk of straining a bicep.

Poor circulation, previous injuries, and lack of stretching before activities can also put you at risk.

Bicep Strain Treatment and Recovery

After an exam, your doctor can help determine a treatment plan to address your symptoms. Common treatments for bicep strains include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory pain medications, or steroid injections.

Most bicep strain cases resolve after two weeks, and you may be relegated to modified activity levels as you recover.

Is My Bicep Torn?

A bicep tear works slightly differently than a strain as the injury is more severe. A torn bicep can occur from lifting heavy objects, overuse, repetitive motions, or previous injury.

Many patients can recognize a torn bicep from a tearing sensation in the arm at the time of the injury.

Bicep Tear Diagnosis and Treatment

Your doctor can determine if you have torn your biceps through a physical exam and tests such as an MRI.

Conservative methods, including rest, ice, and physical therapy, can help. Extensive injuries to the bicep may require surgery to correct the issue.

Your recovery depends on your injury’s nature and how well your body responds to treatment methods. If you’ve sustained an injury to your arm, don’t wait. Dr. Desio can help you get back to living your life to the fullest. Call 508-363-6363 to schedule an appointment in the Worcester office.