Concussion Diagnosis & Injury Treatment | Ladera Urgent Care in Los Angeles
Concussions are one of the most common yet often misunderstood forms of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). While they are typically considered mild, concussions can lead to significant cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms if not properly managed. For those in the Los Angeles area, Ladera Urgent Care can help you diagnose your concussions and get you in the right direction with recommendations for expert care and services to ensure effective concussion management and recovery. Whether you experience a sports concussion, a head injury from a fall, or another accident, our dedicated team is here to provide top-notch medical care.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head or a hit to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly around inside the skull. This movement creates a complex pathophysiological process affecting normal brain functions and may result in a short-lived impairment of neurological function.
Concussions are often caused by:
- Sports-related injuries (e.g., football, soccer, basketball, or boxing)
- Car accidents
- Falls
- Accidents at home or work
Injuries like these can cause bleeding or swelling within the skull or changes in your brain’s normal function. It’s important to treat concussions promptly to prevent ongoing symptoms and long-term complications.
Concussion Symptoms | What to Look For?
Concussions can present a wide variety of symptoms, which may not always appear immediately. Common concussion symptoms include:
- Loss of consciousness (though not always present)
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or imbalance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty concentrating or cognitive impairment
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Emotional changes, such as irritability or anxiety
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms following a concussion, seek prompt care at trusted concussion specialists or clinics in Los Angeles like Ladera Urgent Care.
Why Proper Concussion Management Is Critical
Proper management of concussions is essential to ensure full recovery and prevent long-term issues. At Ladera Urgent Care, we offer evaluation and oftentimes diagnosis of concussions to get you going in the right direction.
Concussion Care
If serious enough, treatment may cause for sports medicine physicians and neuropsychologists, our staff can help diagnose the severity and give sound recommendations on the next steps. The following outlines general treatment steps for general informational purposes. While they may be recommended as options by the MD you see on your visit, only after you see a licensed healthcare professional can the best approach for your specific needs be found:
- Physical and mental rest to allow the brain time to recover.
- Neuropsychological testing to evaluate your cognitive function.
- Advanced imaging like MRI to rule out more severe brain injuries.
- Individualized approach to concussion treatment plans tailored to your needs.
- Return to play or return to school protocols to ensure a safe transition back to daily activities.
A Special Focus | Sports Concussions
Athletes are particularly at risk for concussions due to the nature of their activities. In such an activity rich environment like Los Angeles County, we recognize the importance of specialized care for sports-related concussions. Our team may recommend a sports concussion clinic that provides expert care for athletes of all ages and levels.
How We Diagnose a Concussion
Our concussion diagnosis process includes:
- Detailed clinical history and symptom evaluation
- Physical and neurological exams
- If needed, advanced imaging such as (but not limited to) MRI to detect any structural injuries.
For young athletes, we suggest athletic trainers and coaches ease athletes back into action to ensure a smooth recovery and safe return to play. In some cases, the use of an ImPACT test may be needed, regardless of the specific evaluation, We offer a comprehensive neurological evaluation to help diagnose all types of brain injuries and concussions.
What to Do Following a Concussion
If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion, follow these steps:
- Seek immediate medical evaluation at a qualified clinic in the Los Angeles area like Ladera Urgent Care.
- Follow the doctor’s recommendations for physical and mental rest.
- Avoid activities that can worsen symptoms, such as physical exertion, bright screens, or loud environments.
- Work with our team to develop a comprehensive treatment and recovery plan.
- Monitor for any ongoing symptoms and attend follow-up visits as needed.
Ladera Urgent Care for Concussion Care?
Located in Los Angeles, Ladera Urgent Care is a trusted clinic in Los Angeles offering expert concussion care and diagnosis for patients of all ages. We provide evaluation services for your unique needs:
- Expert care from board-certified specialists
- Recommendations for concussion management strategies
- Guidance toward an individualized treatment plan
- Convenient location in the Los Angeles area
Contact Us Today
For expert diagnosis and further recommendations for the next steps in concussion treatment and concussion care, visit Ladera Urgent Care. Our team is here to help you begin the path to recovery, quickly and safely.
Ladera Urgent Care 5311 W Centinela Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90045 Phone: (310) 209-3993 Fax: (424) 217-4067 Email: Info@laderauc.com
Office Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Don’t wait to get the care you need. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and start your journey toward recovery.