Concussion
Treatments & Surgery
California Neurosurgergical Institute
Encino CA, Valencia CA, Bakersfield CA.
Any blow to the head can result in a concussion, which is an injury to the brain that alters normal function.
All concussions are a serious health concern and require medical management.
The experienced board-certified neurosurgeons at California Neurosurgical Institute, with offices in Bakersfield, Encino, and Valencia, California, specializing in the management of concussions and traumatic brain injuries and can provide the care you need for proper healing.
For an evaluation, call your nearest office or use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment today.
Concussion Q & A
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs after a mechanical force or head trauma that leads to alterations in brain function that affects behavior and level of consciousness.
Concussions often occur without causing any noticeable injuries to the head, and the injury doesn’t always lead to a loss of consciousness.
Although the neurosurgical team at California Neurosurgical Institute may classify concussions based on severity (mild to severe), they consider all concussions a serious medical concern.
A mild concussion may not initially lead to serious brain damage, but if you experience any more head trauma too soon after a mild concussion, the results can be debilitating or deadly. The same is true for more severe concussions.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Diagnosis of a concussion is dependent on your symptoms; specifically, symptoms related to confusion, which may include:
- Difficulty maintaining your train of thought
- Decreased awareness and increased distractibility
- Inability to follow directions
In addition to confusion, concussion symptoms may also include headaches, vision changes, dizziness, or memory loss.
If you or a loved one is showing signs of a concussion, a medical evaluation is recommended to reduce the risk of more serious health issues.
How are concussions treated?
Rest is the primary treatment for a concussion. This includes rest from any activity that causes symptoms, such as:
- Participation in sports
- Physical exertion
- Watching TV
- Reading
- Playing video games
- Texting
As your symptoms improve, you may begin to increase activities that involve thinking.
You may, however, need to continue to refrain from physical activity until you’ve completely recovered from your concussion.
What are the surgical treatments for a concussion?
Most concussions don’t require surgery. However, if you’re experiencing brain swelling or bleeding, surgery may be needed. The types of surgeries include:
Decompressive craniectomy
Trauma to your brain can lead to swelling. The excess pressure placed on your brain can be life-threatening. During a decompressive craniectomy, your California Neurosurgical Institute neurosurgeon creates a large opening in your skull to allow extra space for the swelling. A decompressive craniectomy is most often an emergency procedure.
Evacuation of intracranial hematoma
If your brain injury causes bleeding, a blood clot (hematoma) may develop and create pressure on the brain that can be damaging. During an evacuation of an intracranial hematoma, the hematoma is removed. This is also most often an emergency procedure.
Cranioplasty
After your brain swelling subsides, you may undergo a cranioplasty to repair the portion of the skull that was removed. Your preserved bone or a synthetic material may be used to close the opening.
Concussions are serious medical issues that require immediate medical care to prevent more serious health issues.
For a consultation, call California Neurosurgical Institute or request an appointment online today.
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California Neurosurgical Institute, with offices in Bakersfield, Encino, and Valencia, California, specializes in the management of concussions and traumatic brain injuries and can provide the care you need for proper healing.
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