A concussion can happen in seconds, but the effects can last much longer.
Whether it’s from a fall on the ice, a sports collision, or a minor accident, concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that should never be ignored. Even when symptoms seem mild, your brain needs time and care to heal.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when the brain is shaken inside the skull. This disrupts normal brain function, even without a loss of consciousness.
Common causes include:
- Falls, especially in winter conditions
- Sports injuries
- Car accidents
- Hitting your head on a hard surface
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Not all concussions look the same. Symptoms can appear right away or develop over time.
Watch for:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Nausea
- Confusion or memory problems
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling “off” or slowed down
If symptoms worsen or do not improve, it is important to seek care.
Why Early Care Matters
Ignoring a concussion or returning to activity too soon can delay recovery and increase the risk of further injury.
Proper evaluation helps:
- Confirm diagnosis
- Guide safe return to activity
- Prevent long-term complications
At Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, our team focuses on personalized concussion care to support recovery and long-term brain health.
Hear From a Concussion Specialist
Want to hear directly from a provider who treats concussions every day?
Mandi Dickey, FNP-BC, MSN, RN, based in our Coon Rapids location, specializes in concussion management and has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, with a strong focus in neurology.
👉 Learn more about Mandi: https://minneapolisclinic.com/providers/mandi-dickey/
Mandi also hosts Brain Wellness – The Podcast, where she shares real-world insight into brain health, concussion recovery, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
What makes her podcast unique is perspective. You’ll hear not only from a medical provider, but also from patients and caregivers navigating life after a brain injury.
Topics include:
- Concussion symptoms and recovery timelines
- Real patient TBI stories and experiences
- Returning to work, school, and daily life after injury
- Helmet safety and prevention strategies
- The emotional and cognitive impact of brain injury
Mandi’s podcast was inspired in part by her own experience with traumatic brain injury, which brings an added level of empathy and understanding to every episode.
🎧 Listen to Brain Wellness – The Podcast on Apple or Spotify to better understand concussion care, recovery, and prevention.
When to Seek Help
You should seek medical care right away if you experience:
- Worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness
- Increased confusion
Even mild symptoms are worth evaluating.
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you love has experienced a head injury, don’t wait.
No referral needed. You don’t need a referral to schedule care at any of our five Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology locations.
👉 https://minneapolisclinic.com/appointments
