A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury resulting from a jolt or blow to the head or body, which causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This sudden movement can stretch and damage brain cells, leading to a temporary disruption of normal brain function. This article clarifies whether urgent care centers can assess and provide initial guidance for concussions.
Assessing Concussions at Urgent Care
Urgent care centers can assess suspected concussions. Their medical staff, including physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, perform clinical evaluations. These evaluations involve a detailed review of symptoms and a basic neurological screening.
Urgent care facilities assess common concussion symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and sensitivity to light or sound. While they do not have advanced imaging (CT scans or MRIs) on-site for routine diagnosis, their primary role is to evaluate the severity of the injury and determine the appropriate next steps. Staff can rule out minor issues and identify cases requiring more specialized or emergency attention.
When to Choose Urgent Care for a Concussion
Deciding whether to visit an urgent care center or an emergency room for a suspected concussion depends on symptom severity. Urgent care is suitable for less severe, but still concerning, symptoms after a head injury. These include a mild headache, dizziness, nausea without vomiting, mild confusion, or temporary memory issues without loss of consciousness.
Conversely, an emergency room visit is necessary if “red flag” symptoms are present, indicating a more serious brain injury. These severe symptoms include loss of consciousness, a headache that worsens over time, repeated vomiting, or seizures. Other urgent signs requiring ER care are slurred speech, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, significant confusion or agitation, or difficulty waking. If in doubt about injury severity, or after a high-impact incident, proceed directly to an emergency room.
The Urgent Care Concussion Evaluation Process
Upon arrival at an urgent care center for a suspected concussion, a patient can expect a structured evaluation process. The initial step involves taking a thorough symptom history, where the medical provider asks about the incident that caused the injury and the onset of symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound. Questions also cover any confusion, memory issues, or changes in behavior observed since the injury.
Following the history, a physical examination is conducted, focusing on neurological function. This includes assessing balance and coordination, checking eye movements for abnormalities, and evaluating reflexes. Cognitive screening tests may also be performed, involving questions about recent events, assessing short-term memory, or evaluating the ability to follow simple commands. While advanced imaging like CT scans is not routinely used to diagnose a concussion, it might be ordered if the provider suspects a more serious brain injury, such as bleeding or a skull fracture, in which case the patient would likely be referred to an emergency room for further imaging and specialized care.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Care
After the initial assessment at an urgent care center, the medical team provides guidance for the post-concussion period. This guidance emphasizes physical and cognitive rest, including avoiding strenuous activities, limiting screen time, and reducing mental exertion. Patients are advised to gradually return to their normal activities as symptoms improve.
Urgent care serves as an initial evaluation point; however, ongoing management and recovery often require continued medical oversight. Patients are advised to monitor for any worsening symptoms and seek further medical attention if concerns arise. Schedule a follow-up with a primary care physician or a concussion specialist to manage the recovery process.