Concussion

A concussion is a brain injury that requires expert evaluation and management. At Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI), we provide comprehensive concussion diagnosis and recovery care for athletes and non-athletes throughout Southern California. Our physicians are experienced in sports-related conditions and treatments and work closely with SCOI’s sports medicine specialists to provide coordinated concussion care.

If you suspect a concussion, early evaluation matters. Prompt care can reduce complications, speed recovery, and lower the risk of long-term issues.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a direct hit to the head or by a force to the body that transmits up to the brain. You do not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. In fact, most people don’t. A concussion temporarily disrupts how the brain functions. It usually does not show up on CT scans or MRI imaging. That’s why careful clinical evaluation is important. A person may appear normal and have normal imaging, but still have a concussion.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Symptoms of a concussion can start right away or develop over several hours. Common early symptoms include:

• Physical Symptoms
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Feeling slowed down
• Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Memory lapses
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep changes

Symptoms can vary widely and may worsen with physical or mental activity, which is why early evaluation is important.

Parents, coaches, or family members may notice confusion, delayed responses, slurred speech, or personality changes. If symptoms are present, activity should stop immediately. No same-day return to play. No “pushing through it.”

How SCOI Diagnoses a Concussion

Concussion diagnosis is clinical. It requires experience. At SCOI, your evaluation includes:

• A detailed symptom review
• A neurological exam
• Balance testing
• Cognitive assessment

When appropriate, we use advanced computerized neurocognitive testing, including the ImPACT system. This helps us measure memory, attention, processing speed, and reaction time.

Watch this SCOI segment featuring Dr. Andrew M. Blecher, who explains how SCOI is addressing concussion awareness, prevention, and care in the community:

What Is Preseason Baseline Testing and Why We Recommend It

Baseline testing provides a pre-injury snapshot of brain function. If a concussion occurs, we compare post-injury results to your baseline. That gives us clearer answers and more personalized guidance. We recommend preseason baseline testing for athletes in higher-risk sports, including football, soccer, hockey, rugby, and motocross, as well as for athletes with a history of concussions. Baseline testing is especially valuable for athletes participating in contact or high-impact sports.

Treatment and Return-to-Activity Recovery Protocol

The foundation of concussion treatment is rest, both physical and mental. This may mean:

• No sports or workouts
• Limited screen time
• Reduced school or work demands
• Temporary academic accommodations

Once symptoms resolve, we guide patients through a structured, stepwise return-to-play progression:

1. Complete rest until symptom-free
2. Light aerobic activity (walking or stationary cycling)
3. Sport-specific movement with light resistance
4. Noncontact drills and increased strength training
5. Full contact practice only after medical clearance
6. Return to competition

Each step is monitored. If symptoms return, we step back. Recovery is not rushed. This structured approach is part of coordinated care between our concussion specialists, sports medicine physicians, families, and, when needed, schools or athletic programs.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery from a concussion varies by person. Most adults feel better within 7–14 days, while teens and younger athletes often take a few weeks or longer. Recovery timelines may be influenced by factors such as prior concussions, symptom severity, sleep quality, and returning to activity too soon. If symptoms last beyond the expected window, we adjust the plan and arrange further evaluation as needed. Following a structured recovery plan helps reduce the risk of prolonged symptoms and supports a safer return to normal activity.

When To Seek Immediate Care

Seek immediate emergency care if any of the following occur:

• Repeated vomiting
• Severe or worsening headache
• Seizure
• Increasing confusion
• Weakness or numbness
• Loss of consciousness

Otherwise, schedule an evaluation within 24–48 hours if a concussion is suspected. When in doubt, it is safer to be evaluated.

Experienced Concussion Specialists in SoCal

SCOI sports medicine physicians have extensive experience managing concussions both on the sidelines and in clinical settings, working with professional, collegiate, and high school athletes throughout Southern California. We strongly believe in education and prevention, helping families, coaches, and communities understand how to recognize and properly manage concussions.