Concussions Specialist
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Henry Hasson, MD
Child Neurology located in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY
Concussions are a common type of traumatic injury among both adults and children. Working with an experienced pediatric neurologist like Henry Hasson, MD, is a great way for parents in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, and the greater New York City area to understand whether their child has suffered a concussion and what to do next. That process begins with a diagnostic work-up, which you can schedule online or over the phone today.
Concussions
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. It occurs when your brain moves in a rapid back-and-forth motion inside your skull. This sudden movement allows your brain to twist or bounce against your skull.
A concussion can create physical damage to brain cells. It can also lead to chemical changes within your brain that cause a range of negative effects. Concussions are a mild form of brain injury and a serious matter that deserves prompt attention.
What are some primary causes of concussions?
Any form of head trauma can lead to a concussion. Most people associate aggressive contact sports with concussions, and it’s true that sports like football, rugby, and hockey do have high rates of concussions in both youth and adult players.
However, you don’t have to set foot on a playing field or ice rink to suffer a concussion. A car accident can cause trauma to your brain, as can being subjected to physical abuse or being involved in combat. Even a simple fall can lead to a concussion, which is why smaller children and older adults are at a higher risk.
What are the signs my child has suffered a concussion?
Knowing what to look for can help parents know when to seek treatment for a concussion. Some symptoms include:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or brain fog
- Ringing in the ears
- Headache or sensation of pressure in the head
- Delayed response when asked questions
- Sleep disturbances
- Sensitivity to light or sound
It’s important to note that some symptoms might be immediately obvious, while others develop slowly over time. If your child experiences any form of head trauma, be sure to observe them closely and seek medical attention if you suspect a concussion.
How are concussions diagnosed?
Dr. Hasson uses the imPact® concussion testing platform to determine if your child has suffered a concussion. This innovative system delivers a battery of neurocognitive tests to measure your child’s reaction time, processing speed, and verbal as well as visual memory.
The process takes around 15 minutes and is completed on an iPad. The results help Dr. Hasson determine if treatment is necessary and which options might offer the best results.
Many parents who have kids involved in competitive sports opt to come in for a baseline imPact assessment. The results are kept on file, and if the child ever experiences a traumatic head injury, the assessment can be repeated and the results compared.
If you’re concerned your child may have experienced a concussion, call the office right away to schedule a diagnostic evaluation. Online booking is also available, but reaching out by phone may be a better way to secure a same-day appointment.
