Head injuries can be serious and require prompt medical attention. If you are in the Decatur, Georgia area and have experienced a head injury or concussion, it is important to know when to see a doctor. Knowing the signs of a serious head injury can help you make decisions about your health.
Let’s explore what some of the signs are for when to visit a head injury doctor near Decatur, GA.
Severe Symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms after hitting your head, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible:
severe headache; confusion; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; slurred speech; numbness or tingling in your face, body, arms or legs; difficulty balancing or walking steadily; blurred vision; ringing in your ears; changes in sleeping patterns or fatigue; an inability to concentrate or think clearly; and changes in behavior.
These symptoms may indicate a more serious issue than a minor bump on the head that does not require medical attention.
Severity of Injury
The severity of your injury should also be taken into consideration when deciding whether to seek a head injury specialist. If you hit your head hard enough that you lose consciousness for even just a few seconds, if you experience seizures after the initial incident, or if there is bleeding around the affected area, it is best practice to visit a doctor immediately.
It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to brain injuries as they can have long-term consequences if not treated properly.
Time Frame
It is also important to determine how long ago you experienced the injury before making an appointment with a head injury doctor near Decatur, GA. If it has been less than twenty-four hours since your injury occurred then visiting an emergency room is recommended because they can perform tests such as CT scans and MRIs which may not be available at all primary care facilities.
However, if more than twenty-four hours have passed since your injury then making an appointment with an experienced head injury doctor would be appropriate so that they can assess the extent of any damage done by the initial incident.