Skip Navigation
Book Now! Find care near you Find care near you Find care near you
wellstar-logo
Wellstar Go Back
Go to MyChart

Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
For Patients & Families For the Community For Providers About Us Careers
  • Start Your Care

  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Our Services
  • Virtual Visits
  • Planning

  • Accepted Insurance
  • Hospital Payment Planning
  • Financial Assistance
  • Pricing Information
  • Before Your Visit

  • Sign Up for MyChart
  • Visitation Guidelines
  • While You're Here

  • Support & Entertainment
  • Join an Event
  • After Your Visit

  • Pay Your Bill
  • Get Medical Records
  • Contact us
  • COVID-19 Support

  • COVID-19 Information
  • Vaccines
  • Testing Information
  • Foundation Relief
  • Community Care

  • In the Community
  • Health Highlights
  • Community Health Needs Assessment
  • Latest News
  • Center for Health Equity
  • Wellstar Find Help
  • Events & Programs

  • Events Calendar
  • On-Demand Classes
  • Support Groups
  • Give

  • Wellstar Foundation
  • Donate
  • Ways to Give
  • Thank a Caregiver
  • West Georgia
    Health Foundation
  • Volunteer

  • PeopleCare Advisory Council
  • For Adults
  • Care

  • Transfer a Patient
  • Cures Act
  • Refer a Patient
  • Lab Test Directory
  • Request to Conduct Research
  • Connect

  • Physician Relations
  • Request Imaging Services
  • Wellstar Clinical Partners
  • Wellstar Medical Group
  • Mayo Clinic Care Network
  • Medical Staff Services
  • Provider Recruitment
  • Log In

  • EpicCare Link
  • Lawson Connect
  • MyID Password Reset
  • Citrix Access
  • Leadership

  • Authority Board
  • Board Of Trustees
  • Foundation Board
  • Regional Health Boards
  • Executive Leadership
  • Awards, Recognition & Safety

  • Accreditation & Certifications
  • Awards & Recognition
  • Safety First Program
  • Nursing
  • Careers at Wellstar

  • Apply now
  • Upcoming virtual events
  • Why Wellstar?
  • Nursing Careers

  • Nursing (Direct Care)
  • Nursing Leadership
  • Nursing (Non-bedside)
  • Nursing Support
  • Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

  • Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
  • Allied Health Professionals
  • Homecare & Hospice
  • Physicians
  • Support Team Careers

  • Administrative & Clerical
  • Coding, Compliance & HIM Systems
  • Facility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food Services
  • Information Technology & Systems
  • For Patients & Families
  • For the Community
  • For Providers
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Search Search Search
  • MyChart MyChart MyChart

Start Your Care

Find a DoctorFind a LocationOur ServicesVirtual Visits

Planning

Accepted InsuranceHospital Payment PlanningFinancial AssistancePricing Information

Before Your Visit

Sign Up for MyChartVisitation Guidelines

While You're Here

Support & EntertainmentJoin an Event

After Your Visit

Pay Your BillGet Medical RecordsContact us

COVID-19 Support

COVID-19 InformationVaccinesTesting InformationFoundation Relief

Community Care

In the CommunityHealth HighlightsCommunity Health Needs AssessmentLatest NewsCenter for Health EquityWellstar Find Help

Events & Programs

Events CalendarOn-Demand ClassesSupport Groups

Give

Wellstar FoundationDonateWays to GiveThank a CaregiverWest Georgia
Health Foundation

Volunteer

PeopleCare Advisory CouncilFor Adults

Care

Transfer a PatientCures ActRefer a PatientLab Test DirectoryRequest to Conduct Research

Connect

Physician RelationsRequest Imaging ServicesWellstar Clinical PartnersWellstar Medical GroupMayo Clinic Care NetworkMedical Staff ServicesProvider Recruitment

Log In

EpicCare LinkLawson ConnectMyID Password ResetCitrix Access
About Wellstar

Our patients are the center of everything we do. We're nationally ranked and locally recognized for our high-quality care, inclusive culture, exceptional doctors and caregivers, and one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia.

About Us

Leadership

Authority BoardBoard Of TrusteesFoundation BoardRegional Health BoardsExecutive Leadership

Awards, Recognition & Safety

Accreditation & CertificationsAwards & RecognitionSafety First ProgramNursing

Careers at Wellstar

Apply nowUpcoming virtual eventsWhy Wellstar?

Nursing Careers

Nursing (Direct Care)Nursing LeadershipNursing (Non-bedside)Nursing Support

Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)Allied Health ProfessionalsHomecare & HospicePhysicians

Support Team Careers

Administrative & ClericalCoding, Compliance & HIM SystemsFacility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food ServicesInformation Technology & Systems
Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
Close
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care
Close Close Close Book Now Menu
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care

Introducing

Wellstar Virtual Care

Access Wellstar healthcare providers
wherever you are.

Get started

Warning Warning Our "Book Now" feature should not be used for life threatening conditions such as heart attack, severe injury, poisoning, chest pain, or stroke. If you are experiencing such conditions, STOP and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or visit your nearest Emergency Department.

I Understand

Concussion


  • Home
  • Medical Services
  • Health Conditions and Diseases
  • Concussion
  • Overview
  • Prevention
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment

Concussion Overview

A concussion is a mild—and the most common—type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Concussions can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head and most do not involve a loss of consciousness. They can also result from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Concussions can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the normal working of the brain.

Although we typically associate concussions with athletes, sports are not the only cause. Other causes are falls, motor vehicle injuries, being struck by or against something and assaults. Wellstar’s neuroscience team is highly qualified and experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of concussions. If you believe you or someone else may have experienced a concussion, make an appointment with your doctor to confirm the diagnosis, or to identify another reason for the symptoms.


Symptoms

While you cannot see a concussion, some of the signs may be apparent right away, while some do not appear immediately. An undiagnosed concussion can lead to problems with everyday activities. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to signs and symptoms including:

  • Nausea
  • Double or fuzzy vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Headache
  • Feeling tired or sluggish
  • Feeling foggy or groggy
  • Confusion or feeling “spacey”
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Memory problems

Seek medical care immediately if you or someone else experience the following:

  • Changes in alertness and consciousness
  • Confusion that does not go away
  • Convulsions/seizures
  • Slurred speech
  • Muscle weakness on one or both sides
  • Unusual eye movements
  • Pupils of the eye of uneven size
  • Problems with walking or balance
  • Repeated vomiting

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the chance of getting a concussion. Participating in contact sports like football, hockey or soccer, especially if there is a lack of protective gear and proper supervision

  • Being involved in a motor vehicle collision
  • Engaging in military combat
  • Being a victim of physical abuse
  • Having a previous concussion
  • Falling. Falls around the home are the leading cause of head injuries among young children and older adults

Concussion Prevention

It’s not possible to prevent all traumatic brain injuries. But taking certain steps can help reduce the chance of getting a concussion. Always use proper safety equipment (seat belts, helmets, hard hats, etc.) during activities that could result in a head injury. Keep your home safe by installing proper lighting and making sure walkways are clear and uncluttered.

  • Protect babies and young children by blocking stairways and installing window guards. Don’t let children play sports that are not appropriate for their age
  • Learn and follow bicycle safety recommendations
  • Never drink and drive
  • Never text or operate a handheld device while driving

Concussion Diagnosis

If you are concerned about the possibility of a concussion make an appointment with your Wellstar physician or neurologist. Prompt and proper diagnosis can help reduce more serious complications in the future. The first step is a physical exam to assess the nervous symptom. Your doctor will look for any changes in pupil size, thinking ability, coordination and reflexes.


Tools and Tests

The physician may order various diagnostic tests including:

  • EEG (brain wave test)
  • CT of the head
  • MRI of the brain
  • Neuropsychological or neuro-cognitive tests to assess thinking and problem solving skills

Concussion Treatment

Once diagnosed, a mild concussion may not require further medical treatment. Your doctor will discuss any limitations on activity. It’s important for friends and family to watch for signs of a more severe head injury. These indications can show up after leaving the doctor’s office or emergency room.

The doctor may recommend that you be hospitalized overnight for observation. Or you may be observed at home, which requires that someone check on you every few hours for at least 24 hours. If you or a loved one may have had a concussion you should:

  • See your Wellstar physician
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Avoid activities that can lead to additional head injury
  • Avoid activities that require complex thinking like preparing reports or doing homework
  • Avoid bright lights and loud sounds that may overstimulate the brain
  • Watch for physical changes or thinking problems

Ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, as these can increase the risk of bleeding. Also ask when you or a child can safely return to sports. Returning to vigorous activity too soon can contribute to a second concussion and the possibility of permanent brain injury.


Recovery

Many people recover quickly and completely from a concussion with no lasting damage. But in some cases it may take days, weeks or months to get fully better.

During that time you or a child may have trouble concentrating and remembering things. You may feel grumpy, have headaches, dizziness, blurry vision and recurring nausea. Talk with your doctor about what you can expect in terms of recovery.

More Information

For more information, call our outreach line.

(770) 956-STAR

Back to Top
Branding illustration
Wellstar Logo
More than healthcare. PeopleCare.
Branding illustration
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal
Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal

Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency

Copyright © 2025 Wellstar Health System. All Rights Reserved.

Wellstar does not discriminate on, exclude people or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression or any other type of discrimination prohibited by law.

Cookie Preferences

We use cookies for booking and general analytics. Learn more about our internet privacy policy.