A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that temporarily affects normal brain function. This injury results from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. While most concussions are not life-threatening, they disrupt the brain’s metabolic and functional processes, and all head injuries should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Understanding the appropriate level of immediate care is important for a safe recovery. This guide clarifies when urgent care is sufficient and when a more specialized emergency room visit is necessary following a suspected head injury.
Recognizing the Signs of a Concussion
Concussion symptoms can vary widely and may not appear immediately after the injury, sometimes developing hours or even days later. Physical signs can include a headache, nausea, dizziness, or loss of balance. Sensitivity to light or noise, ringing in the ears, and blurred or double vision are also common physical manifestations.
A concussion can affect cognitive function. The injured person may feel confused, dazed, or as if they are in a “fog”. Difficulty with memory, concentration, or slowed thinking are frequent cognitive complaints. They may repeatedly ask the same questions or have trouble remembering the event that caused the injury.
Emotional symptoms and changes in sleep patterns can also signal a concussion. The person may become unusually irritable, nervous, or experience sudden mood swings. Sleep disturbances include sleeping more or less than usual, or having trouble falling asleep. Identifying these signs indicates that medical attention is needed.
When Urgent Care Provides the Right Level of Evaluation
Urgent care is appropriate when suspected concussion symptoms are mild to moderate and stable. This is suitable when the injury is recent, typically within the last 24 to 48 hours, and there has been no prolonged loss of consciousness. Symptoms like a mild headache, temporary confusion, isolated vomiting, or dizziness that is not rapidly worsening fit the criteria for urgent care evaluation.
Urgent care centers are equipped to perform an initial assessment, diagnosis, and establish a non-emergency treatment protocol. This is the correct choice if the patient is fully conscious, coherent, and their symptoms are not deteriorating quickly. The primary goal is to receive a professional diagnosis.
The facility can provide initial management steps, such as guidance on physical and cognitive rest and a plan for symptom tracking. This level of care is often faster and more accessible than an emergency room, especially for injuries occurring outside of regular business hours. If a mild concussion is diagnosed, the provider will offer discharge instructions and emphasize follow-up care with a primary physician.
Immediate Danger: When to Seek Emergency Room Care
Certain severe symptoms indicate a potentially life-threatening brain injury, such as bleeding or swelling, and require an immediate trip to the Emergency Room (ER). Loss of consciousness, even if brief, is a serious sign that must be evaluated in an ER setting. Any seizure or convulsion following the head injury bypasses the need for urgent care.
A headache that is severe, rapidly worsening, or persistent despite typical pain medication warrants emergency medical attention. Repeated vomiting suggests increasing pressure inside the skull. Similarly, any clear or bloody fluid draining from the ears or nose may indicate a skull fracture and needs immediate ER assessment.
Signs of neurological deterioration are grounds for an emergency visit. These include slurred speech, significant confusion, agitation, or an inability to wake up. Any weakness, numbness in the limbs, or uneven pupil sizes signals severe brain trauma.
What Happens During an Urgent Care Concussion Assessment
When a patient arrives at urgent care with a suspected concussion, the process begins with a medical history. The provider will ask specific questions about the mechanism of the injury, the onset of symptoms, and any pre-existing medical conditions. This information helps determine the severity and the most appropriate course of action.
A physical examination, including a focused neurological exam, is then performed to assess function. This exam typically tests reflexes, balance, coordination, and gait. Cognitive assessments involve verbal or written tests to check memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. The provider may use a symptom scoring tool to grade the severity of reported issues like dizziness, headache, and fogginess.
Urgent care facilities focus on ruling out severe internal injuries, and rarely perform advanced imaging like CT scans or MRIs unless specific criteria are met. If the assessment suggests a risk of intracranial bleeding or a fracture, the patient will be stabilized and immediately transferred to an emergency room. If the injury is confirmed as a mild concussion without red flags, the patient is discharged with clear instructions for rest, monitoring, and follow-up with a primary care provider or concussion specialist.