Whether you're an athlete, a parent, or simply someone who values brain health, understanding concussions is crucial. Concussions are more than just "bumps on the head"—they're serious injuries that require careful management to ensure full recovery and prevent long-term issues.

At California Sports & Spine Institute, our specialists are here to guide you through concussion care with evidence-based strategies that prioritize your safety and recovery.

Recognizing Concussion Symptoms

A concussion can happen after a direct hit to the head or a forceful jolt to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Symptoms can appear immediately or be delayed for hours or even days. Common signs include:

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Confusion or feeling "foggy"
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Memory problems
• Mood changes like irritability or sadness
• Fatigue or trouble sleeping

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after a head injury, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.

Return-to-Play Protocols: Why Gradual Is Key

For athletes, a safe return to play is a major concern. Returning too soon can lead to second impact syndrome — a potentially fatal condition if a second concussion occurs before the first one heals.

At CSSI, we follow a stepwise return-to-play protocol that may include:

1. Rest and Recovery: Initial physical and cognitive rest is vital.
2. Light Aerobic Activity: Gentle exercise like walking — but no weightlifting or intense cardio yet.
3. Sport-Specific Exercise: Drills without contact (e.g., jogging, agility work).
4. Non-Contact Training Drills: More complex training activities while being closely monitored.
5. Full-Contact Practice: Only after medical clearance.
6. Return to Full Play: After successfully completing the above stages without symptoms.

Every athlete’s timeline is different. Rushing the process increases the risk of prolonged symptoms or further injury.

Long-Term Effects: Why Early Management Matters

Most people recover fully from a concussion with proper care, but untreated or poorly managed concussions can lead to lasting problems such as:

• Persistent headaches
• Memory loss
• Depression or anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased risk of future concussions

Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and gradual return to activity are the best ways to prevent these complications.

Expert Concussion Care at California Sports & Spine Institute

Our team of board-certified specialists — Dr. Maxim Moradian and Dr. James Lieu — are trained in the latest concussion management techniques. Whether you are an athlete or have suffered a concussion through another activity, we are here to ensure you heal properly and completely.

We proudly serve patients at our convenient locations:

• Arcadia – 51 N. 5th Ave Suite B, Arcadia, CA 91006
• Glendale – 317 S Brand Blvd Suite A-104, Glendale, CA 91204
• Palmdale – 41210 11th Street West, Suite K, Palmdale, CA 93551

Call us today at (818) 338-6860 or (626) 460-1096 to schedule a consultation.

Or request an appointment online: https://californiasportsandspine.com/