1. Subscribe Now
  2. Follow Us
  3. Follow us on Facebook Follow us at Twitter Subscribe to our global feed
  4. |
  5. Advertise

When to Call a Doctor

By Sherri Dalphonse

A fender-bender, a tumble off a bike, a soccer collision—almost everyone sustains a blow to the head at some point. 

Two-thirds of those who have a mild head injury or concussion recover just fine. But if you have hit your head—even if months ago—and you or your loved ones notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to see a physician:

In Adults

• Headaches or neck pain that won’t go away

• Trouble remembering things, concentrating, or making decisions

• Slow thinking, speaking, acting, or reading

• Getting lost or easily confused

• Feeling tired all the time, having no motivation

• Mood changes; feeling sad or angry for no reason

• Sleeping a lot more or having a hard time sleeping

• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy or losing balance

• Nausea

• Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or distractions

• Blurred vision or eyes that tire easily

• Loss of sense of smell or taste

• Ringing in the ears

In Children


• Feeling tired or listless

• Being irritable or cranky; a baby may not stop crying or cannot be consoled

• Changes in eating

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Lack of interest in favorite toys or activities

• Changes in performance at school

• Loss of new skills such as toilet training

• Loss of balance, unsteady walking

• Vomiting

You can find more information from the Brain Injury Association National Help Line, 800-444-6443 or biausa.org.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Click to download our new iPhone mobile app

 

Find A ...
Find A Restaurant







  1. Only show Delivery
    Only show Kid Friendly
    Only show Late Night
    Only show Party Space
    Only show Weekend Brunch
Find Events




Find A Happy Hour





  1. search_finda.gif
Find A Spa




  1. search_finda.gif
Find a Home





  1. search_finda.gif
  2. Powered by  
Find A Hotel


  1.   


  2. Reviewed by Washingtonian
  3. Kid Friendly     Valet Parking
    Handicap Accessible    

  4. Childcare
    WiFi
    Pet Friendly
    Bar/Lounge/Dining
    Airport Shuttle
    Salon/Spa
    Swimming Pool
    Fitness Room
    On-site Drycleaning
    Meeting Rooms
    Golf
    Tennis Courts
    Game Room
  5. search_finda.gif

WashingTelevision: Goodbye to “The Firm”

The NBC show’s new Saturday slot means we’ll no longer be recapping it, but look out for new shows in the spring. more

Unveiled 2012: The Video

Missed our Unveiled event? Watch all the action unfold in our snappy video recap. more

Follow Us Follow us on Facebook Follow us at Twitter Subscribe to our global feed
Get the Magazine Washington Lives By

It's your source for dining, nightlife, news, health, shopping and more in Washington.

Subscribe to Washingtonian

Washingtonian Magazine provides the best insights on:

Subscribe today for only $29.95 for 12 issues.