What is a Concussion?

Many individuals who play sports or are in an active lifestyle can get a concussion.  Concussion happens when a sudden jolt or blow to the head disturbs the way your brain works.   Hard hits to you head come in all shapes and sizes from being hit in the head during football, hitting your head while skiing in Big Bear, or being hit in the head during outdoor activities.   This impact to your head can make you feel confused, disoriented, or dazed. It may also cause you to lose consciousness or to have memory loss (amnesia) about things that happened around the time of your injury.  If you think you or someone you love may have a concussion, it's important to watch for concussion signs and symptoms.

What are Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion?

To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for these three immediate things:

1) A forceful blow to the head or body that causes the head to move quickly. Examples are hitting your head against an object with force or sustaining a head injury while playing a sport.

2) Any powerful headache that appears to not subside.

3) A dazed or confused sudden change in person’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning (body movements).

Concussion symptoms usually develop in the first few days after an injury. You may not notice problems until you return to school, work, or your daily life.   For many people, symptoms resolve within a few days or weeks.

Get to a doctor immediately if you have any of the below persistent symptoms:

• Headaches (very common)
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Blurred or double vision
• Mild to moderate nausea and/or vomiting
• Noise and light sensitivity
• partial vision loss
• Feeling mentally foggy
• Eye pain
• Difficulty concentrating - shorter attention span
• Memory problems
• Slowed thinking
• Irritability
• Sadness
• Feeling emotionally sensitive
• Feeling nervous or anxious
• Drowsiness, increased sleepiness
• Difficulty sleeping

 "If your child falls or takes a blow to the head during sports or recreational activities, would you know the symptoms of a concussion? said Dr. Peter Zhang, Board Certified in Family Practice and Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine. "Symptoms of concussion can range from headaches, dizziness and nausea to vomiting and difficulty concentrating in school. Those with undiagnosed concussions are at risk for disability or brain damage" said Dr. Zhang.  Joseph Hurley, CEO of Family First Family Medical Practice said "Typically a Family Medicine Physician or Pediatrician is the initial contact for a concussion. Ideally,  the person should be evaluated and properly diagnosed within 24 hours of injury. As concussion management has changed over the last decade, even significantly over the past few years, every primary care provider/pediatrician will have a different comfort level with concussion.  We recommend that you see a Sports Medicine Provider like Dr. Peter Zhang to help provide a treatment plan specifically designed around the patient". 

Dr. Zhang brings a unique blend of Board-Certified Family Practice and specialized training with Sports Injuries in his Sports Medicine Fellowship to help patients in the Antelope Valley.   Partnering with the patient, Dr. Zhang will tailor a treatment plan specific to the patient to help in the concussion recover process.  The key is also in prevention as ports aren't the leading cause of concussions, most are attributed to falls.  Treatment typically includes a limited rest period (days to a week) and then gradual returning to activity. Current research shows us that returning to non­contact activity after a short rest period leads to a faster recovery.

Family First Family Medical Practice strives to bring excellent care to the entire Antelope Valley. We believe that members of our community shouldn’t have to make an hour and a half drive down to the Greater Los Angeles area to get treatment for health issues. We search to bring the most qualified providers to those in the Antelope Valley. According to Joseph Hurley, “Dr. Peter Zhang, brings personalized care and genuine concern for the well-being of his patients to the forefront of his practice. Simply, Dr. Zhang treats his patients just as he would his own family with special attention on going the extra mile. Dr. Zhang is welcoming new patients and accepting most major insurances”. 

Visit Family First Family Medical Practice by clicking on the following link www.familyfirstmedgroup.com

To learn more about Dr. Peter Zhang, MD click on the following link below

https://www.familyfirstmedgroup.com/providers#DrPeterZhang

Dr. Zhang is currently seeing patients with Family First Family Medical Practice at 42135 10th St W Ste 201, Lancaster, CA 93534. 

Appointments can be made by calling 661-341-3800.