Can A Registered Nurse Diagnose A Concussion Washington State

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A concussion is a traumatic encephalon injury that most often occurs when someone is hitting in the caput. Concussions tin also occur due to falling, physical abuse, vehicle, cycle, or pedestrian collisions, and injuries from contact sports such every bit rugby and football. Though the furnishings of a concussion are unremarkably temporary, a person with a suspected concussion should be evaluated by a healthcare professional person. Repeated concussions tin cause serious impairment to the brain, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).^[1] Though it may seem like a scary situation, most people with concussions fully recover inside a few days.^[2]

1

Decide if the victim has lost consciousness. Not everyone who gets a concussion will lose consciousness, but some people do. This is the most obvious sign that someone has a concussion. If the person has blacked out afterward a blow to the head, seek emergency medical handling.^[3]
ii

Watch for slurred or unclear speech. Inquire the person some basic questions such as, "What is your name?" and "Do you know where you are?" If their answers are delayed, slurred, don't make sense, or are hard to understand, they may have a concussion.

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iii

Find out if the victim is confused or doesn't remember what happened. If the person has a blank stare, seems confused, or doesn't know where they are, it could be a sign of a brain injury. If they seem mazed, don't remember what happened, or appear to have memory loss, they likely have a concussion.^[four]
4

Watch for nausea or vomiting. If someone vomits, especially repeatedly, after beingness hit in the head or involved in another type of accident, this normally indicates a concussion. If they haven't vomited, enquire them if they feel nauseated or have an upset stomach, which may too exist a sign of a concussion.^[v]
5

Look for dumb residuum or coordination. People with concussions often take problems with their motor skills, such equally being unable to walk in a straight line or catch a ball. If the person is having trouble with these things or has a delayed reaction fourth dimension, they likely accept a concussion.
6

Enquire the victim if they have a headache, blurred vision, or feel dizzy. A headache that lasts more a few minutes is a common sign of a concussion.^[six] Blurred vision, "seeing stars," and/or feelings of dizziness or fogginess may also betoken a concussion.^[seven]
7

Scout the person advisedly for iii-4 hours. If yous suspect a concussion, the person should be carefully monitored for the next several hours. Symptoms of a concussion often alter over a period of time.^[8] Information technology's not a good idea to get out them alone, in instance they end up needing emergency medical handling. If possible, conform for someone to stay with the person for at least a few hours after the incident and monitor their behavior.

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Wait for symptoms over the next several days or weeks. While some concussion symptoms show up immediately, some don't appear until days or weeks afterwards. Even if the person seemed fine afterwards the incident, they may begin to show signs of a concussion later on.^[9]
- The victim may exhibit signs such as slurred speech, confusion, nausea or vomiting, impaired rest or coordination, dizziness, blurred vision, or headache.
- These symptoms could indicate medical bug other than a concussion, so it's important to accept the person examined past a healthcare provider.
ii

Sentinel for changes in mood and behavior over the next month. Sudden changes in behavior or mood ofttimes indicate a concussion. If the person seems grouchy, irritable, angry, sad, or otherwise emotional, seemingly without a reason, they may accept a concussion. If the person becomes trigger-happy, acts out, or loses interest in their favorite things or activities, this can also betoken a concussion.^[ten]
three

Determine if they have sensitivity to low-cal or sound. People that are suffering from concussions are ofttimes more sensitive to bright lights and loud noises. If these things make the person cringe or complain of pain, or if they have ringing in their ears, they may have a concussion.^[xi]
4

Recognize changes in eating or sleeping patterns. Look for behavior that contradicts their usual patterns or habits. If the person has lost their appetite or is eating much more than than normal, it could be a sign of a concussion. Similarly, if the person has problem sleeping or is sleeping excessively, they may accept a concussion.^[12]
5

Find out if the victim has bug with memory or concentration. Even if the person seems clear-headed after the incident, they may develop problems later on. If they seem unfocused, unable to concentrate, or have problem remembering things that happened either before or after the incident, they likely take a concussion.^[13]
6

Watch for excessive crying in children. If the person that you suspect may accept a concussion is a kid, determine if they seem to exist crying more than usual. Though most of the concussion symptoms are the aforementioned in children and adults, children may cry excessively because they are in pain, feeling off, or don't know how to express what is wrong.^[14]

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Seek emergency medical intendance for seizures, difficulty breathing, or fluid leaking from the ears. If the victim doesn't respond or wake upwardly after losing consciousness, experiences worsening headaches, vomits repeatedly, has claret or fluid leaking from the ears and nose, has a seizure, difficulty breathing, or slurred speech, have them to the emergency room immediately. These symptoms could indicate a very serious brain injury.^[xv]
ii

Get a medical evaluation for anyone with a suspected concussion within 1-ii days. Fifty-fifty if emergency medical handling isn't required, all head injuries should be evaluated by a licensed healthcare professional. If you suspect someone has a concussion, take them to the doc inside 2 days of the incident.^[16]
3

Go firsthand medical attending if the victim'south symptoms worsen. In general, the symptoms of a concussion decrease over time. If the opposite is happening and the person experiences worsening pain, such as headache, and/or increased fatigue, seek immediate medical attention. These signs could indicate a more serious injury.
4

Follow the prescribed treatment plan. Usually, bed rest is prescribed for people with concussions. This includes both concrete and mental residue, meaning the person should avoid physical activity (similar practise) likewise every bit strenuous mental activeness (such as playing video games or doing crossword puzzles). Be sure to rest for as long as the doctor recommends, and always follow any other treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider.^[17]
5

Avoid exercise and activity until cleared by a doctor. If the victim got a concussion while playing a sport, exercising, or doing another physical activity, remove the person from the game or activity. They should not resume the action until evaluated by a doctor, particularly if it is a contact sport in which they may go hitting again.

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Question

How can I tell if a head injury is mild or astringent?

Scott Anderson is the Primary Clinical Officer at SyncThink, an honor winning startup founded out of Stanford Academy. Scott previously served as the Director of Sports Medicine/Athletic Training for Stanford University for over ten years from 2007 to 2017. Scott has over xviii years of clinical and management experience, and is a recognized international speaker on topics of clinical specialization, which include developmental kinesiology, neuroscience/concussion, and movement dysfunction. He is a certified Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Practitioner (DNSP), Sports Safe Specialist and is certified to conduct Selective Functional Movement Assessments (SFMA), and Functional Movement Screenings (FMS). He earned a BS in Athletic Training from Washington State Academy in 2000 and an MA in Athletic Assistants from Saint Mary'southward College in 2002.

Sports Medicine & Injury Prevention Specialist

Expert Answer

A neurological specialist will be able to rule out other issues, like cervical injury, that tin can have similar symptoms to a caput injury.
Question

Is it ok to take Ibuprofen if there's a possible concussion?

Dr. DeMuro is a board certified Pediatric Critical Care Surgeon in New York. He received his Dr. from Stony Beck University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health Arrangement and was a previous American College of Surgeons (ACS) Fellow.

Lath Certified Critical Care Surgeon

Skilful Answer

Ibuprofen, sold under the brand name Motrin, is an NSAID drug. As such, it furnishings platelet office, and can be associated with bleeding. As a concussion may have a modest amount of cognitive hemorrhage, you lot should not take Ibuprofen (Motrin), as it potentiates the bleeding. Discuss this with your physician so he tin requite specific advice your your state of affairs if analgesic medications are needed.
Question

Are intermittent headaches a symptom of a concussion?

Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (4) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a Yard.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

Yes, information technology is possible. Mail service-concussion headaches can vary and may too feel similar a tension headache or even a migraine. Sometimes the tension-blazon headache can be caused from a neck injury that happened at the aforementioned time of the caput injury. If you lot have a business, you should talk to a doctor -- especially if memory loss or defoliation is also present.
Question

Can a headache forth with tiredness exist a sign of a concussion?

Dr. DeMuro is a board certified Pediatric Critical Care Surgeon in New York. He received his MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at Northward Shore-Long Island Jewish Health Organization and was a previous American Higher of Surgeons (ACS) Fellow.

Lath Certified Critical Intendance Surgeon

Good Answer

The symptoms of headaches and tiredness after even a minor caput trauma tin can be a sign of a concussion. If someone is experiencing this, he/she should be seen in an emergency room for a thorough exam and head imaging to decide treatment.
Question

How many hours afterward being hit on the head can someone relax and not worry?

Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over ten years of experience education and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.

Registered Nurse

Adept Answer

The first few hours are the most critical, but be sure to watch for symptoms over several days. Some symptoms after a hit on the caput may appear correct away and others may non be noticed for days or fifty-fifty months afterwards.
Question

Will common cold cloth aid sooth a concussion headache?

Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Back up (ACLS), Team Building, and Disquisitional Care Nursing. She received her Main of Scientific discipline in Nursing (MSN) from the Academy of Tennessee in 2006.

Master'due south Degree, Nursing, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Proficient Answer

Yep, absurd and moist cloth over your forehead for 10-xx minutes. Resting in a dark, cool, and repose identify tin as well help to ease your mail-concussion headache.
Question

Exercise you have to lose consciousness to get a concussion?

Michael D. Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN, is an expert on nutritional interventions for encephalon health, particularly the prevention and rehabilitation of brain injury. In 2012 upon retiring as a Colonel after 31 years in the U.S. Army, he founded the nonprofit Encephalon Wellness Education and Inquiry Plant. He is in individual practice in Potomac, Maryland, and is the author of "When Brains Collide: What every athlete and parent should know nigh the prevention and treatment of concussions and head injuries." He is a graduate of the U.Southward. Armed forces University at West Point and Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed post-graduate training at Walter Reed Army Medical Middle, Johns Hopkins University, and Walter Reed Ground forces Institute of Research. Dr. Lewis is board certified and a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine and American College of Nutrition.

Board Certified Brain Health Physician

Expert Answer

No, in about 95% of concussions, people don't lose consciousness. You may take other issues, like a lapse in memory, dizziness or wooziness, or a headache.

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Small-scale bumps may non be a concussion and the injured person may reply adequately and take no complaints. Information technology is however a good measure out to proceed a close watch for emergency signs, especially vomiting, sluggish speech, or disorientation.
E'er monitor the victim for a long period after the injury to exist certain they do not worsen. Permit them to rest, simply awaken them every so ofttimes and ask them questions.
The recovery time from a concussion may last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. This differs for each person and individual injury.

A serious head injury tin can result in a blackout if the victim is not treated immediately.
Repeated injury to the brain tin can pb to brain swelling, long-term disabilities, or expiry. You are more probable to suffer repeated concussions if you lot do not allow the brain to heal subsequently an initial concussion.
Severity of a head injury may be difficult to assess but if someone is knocked unconscious call emergency services. Brain hemorrhage should be ruled out and may not exhibit symptoms right away. A ho-hum bleed could touch the person days afterward injury.

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Article Summary X

To tell if a person has a concussion after they striking their head, ask them basic questions, like "What is your proper noun?" or "What day is information technology?" Listen for slurred speech communication or signs of confusion, which may exist a sign of a concussion. In improver, lookout them carefully for signs of dizziness, nausea, or disorientation. If you suspect a person has a concussion, stay with them for about three-4 hours in instance they need medical help, and bring them to a doctor within 1-2 days. If the person loses consciousness, they nearly certainly take a concussion and may need emergency medical treatment. For tips from our medical reviewer on how to treat a concussion, read on!

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