A concussion can happen in an instant — a fall on the field, a fender-bender, a slip on the stairs — yet its effects can linger for days, weeks, or even months. As a form of traumatic brain injury, a concussion causes the brain to move violently within the skull, damaging cells and disrupting normal function. Unlike more severe head injuries, concussions typically don’t show bleeding or pooling of blood on imaging — but that doesn’t mean they should be taken lightly. Symptoms can surface right away or develop hours, even days, after the initial impact, which is why prompt evaluation and careful monitoring matter so much.
At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics (PBSO), our board-certified neurosurgeons and sports medicine specialists have spent nearly two decades caring for concussion patients across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. From student-athletes and weekend warriors to adults recovering from auto accidents, bike crashes, and workplace injuries, our team brings advanced diagnostic expertise, evidence-based treatment protocols, and compassionate guidance to every stage of recovery — so you and your family can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Anyone who suffers even a minor blow to the head should be checked for a concussion and monitored for symptoms like these:
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Convulsions
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Loss of consciousness
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Slurred or repetitive speech
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Memory problems
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Dizziness or poor balance
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Nausea & vomiting
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Severe headaches
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Loss of appetite
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Unequal pupils
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Neck stiffness
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Numbness
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Loss of arm or leg movement
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Extreme drowsiness
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Ringing in the ears
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Personality changes
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Blurred vision
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Sleep disturbances
Older adults, young children, and people taking blood thinners are especially vulnerable to concussions and should be evaluated by medical personnel after any head injury.
Diagnosis of a Concussion
Concussion diagnosis begins with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s overall condition. Depending on age, medical history, and the type of injury, sports medicine doctors or emergency department personnel will assess reflexes, vital signs, and responses to questions, watching for signs of concussion. In some cases, they may order imaging such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out more serious brain trauma.
Treatment for a Concussion
Treatment for a concussion consists primarily of adequate rest to allow the brain to recover. Many adults experience post-concussive headaches, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, and these after-effects may last up to three months while the brain is healing.
Returning to sports or normal activity too early can lead to serious long-term side effects, including:
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Depression
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Cognitive deficits
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Behavioral & emotional changes
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Brain damage
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Biochemical changes at the cellular level
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Increased risk for epilepsy, Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s disease
Sports Concussion & Prevention
Recent studies have revealed the prevalence of serious long-term health risks from concussions caused by sports injuries. In many cases, these risks are amplified in athletes who sustain repeat concussions before the brain has fully healed from the initial injury.
Athletes, student-athletes, and amateur participants in organized sports and fitness activities should follow safety practices like wearing helmets in sports prone to falls and blows to the head. In addition, if a head injury or concussion occurs, the individual should rest and refrain from the sports activity until the brain has had ample time to heal.
Why Choose Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics for Concussion Care
The neurosurgeons and sports medicine specialists at PBSO are dedicated to the treatment of traumatic brain injuries, including sports concussions. In addition to providing post-concussion management and evaluation, our doctors are committed to educating the community — presenting at schools and on TV and radio about the dangers of untreated concussion. We are proud to provide many of the area’s amateur and professional sports teams with concussion services and education about safe concussion practices.
Schedule a Concussion Evaluation Today
If you or a loved one has experienced a head injury, don’t wait to get expert care. Call PBSO at (888) 741-7272 to schedule a baseline test or post-concussion evaluation, or contact us online. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way — with the expertise, compassion, and commitment to your neurosurgical health that have defined Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics for two decades.
