ambulance

when some one suffers from concussion at what stage shold they be taken by ambulance to hospital. Does that happen if the person has  a long period of unconsciousness or just with any unconscoussness? if when they wake up they have a dazed and confused look on their face and then when they try to stand up they loos there balance should they be called and ambulance and be taken to hospital. At what point should  a ct scan be done?

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Any form of concussion ideally should be evaluated by at the emergency room by emergency room physicians, and later admitted for observation about 24-48 hours since neurologic symptoms can still ensue (like weakness, vomiting, decrease consciousness, etc.).

A CT scan is not mandatory for concussion, however this should be done for any person with neurologic symptoms such as preferential weakness of one part of the body, severe headache, or decreasing sensorium.  Unconsciousness is not a full proof indication for a CT scan.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Any concussion that causes loss of consciousness, slurred speech, nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness, incoordination, loss of balance  all or one of these symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
The results of a physical and neurologiocal exam will help in deciding if a CT scan needs to be done or not.