Dizziness that develops after a blow to the head can be the sign of a problem, such as a concussion. When dizziness occurs after a head injury, it is important to seek medical care. SportsSafe offers diagnosis and treatment for patients with symptoms of a concussion including dizziness.
Dizziness causes a patient to feel like the world is spinning around them. It may also cause balance difficulty.
Dizziness can occur for many different reasons, from inner ear problems to motion sickness. When dizziness occurs after a child has experienced a blow to the head or another type of trauma, it may be a sign of a concussion.
A concussion is a potentially serious brain injury that occurs when the brain moves too forcefully inside the skull. It can lead to many different symptoms in addition to dizziness; these can include headaches, confusion, trouble with memory or concentration, and more. Because concussions can pose a danger if they aren’t diagnosed and treated properly, parents of children who develop dizziness after a trauma should always seek treatment.
When a patient comes in with dizziness after head injury, the SportsSafe providers will take steps to determine if your child has a concussion. In most cases, this will involve a complete neurologic exam, a detailed history, and other assessments designed to look for the signs of a concussive injury.
In most cases, this appointment takes 60-90 minutes to complete.
Rest is often the best treatment for a concussion. While the brain heals, the child won’t be able to play sports or participate in any other activity that poses a risk of another injury. Depending on the severity of the condition, children may even need to stay home from school or have shortened school days temporarily. As the concussion heals, children can increase their activity level, per their provider’s recommendations.
Most patients with dizziness caused by a concussion will stop experiencing symptoms within 2-4 weeks after the injury. However, some children may heal faster or slower than average. Children with a concussion should attend all follow-up appointments to make sure that their injury is healing appropriately.