Concussion & Post-Concussion Care in Cumberland & Hagerstown, MD
A concussion is a brain injury, and it deserves proper care. Mir Neurology provides expert evaluation, recovery guidance, and post-concussion syndrome treatment across the tri-state area.
Get evaluated after sports injuries, falls, workplace injuries, or car accidents.
A concussion is a brain injury, and it deserves proper care β whether it happened on the field, at work, or in a car accident. Most people recover fully, but the right evaluation and guidance can speed that up and catch the small number of cases that need closer attention.
At Mir Neurology, our board-certified neurologists evaluate and treat concussions and post-concussion syndrome for patients across Western Maryland, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and South-Central Pennsylvania.
Request an appointment or call (301) 797-7600.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head β or a hit to the body that snaps the head and brain back and forth. That sudden movement makes the brain bounce or twist inside the skull, which briefly disrupts how it works.
You don't have to lose consciousness to have a concussion. In fact, most people don't.
Is a concussion a TBI? Yes. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. "Mild" means it isn't life-threatening β but it's still a real injury to the brain and should be taken seriously.
Concussion Symptoms
Symptoms can show up right away or build over hours to days. They fall into four groups:
Physical
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue or feeling "off"
Cognitive
- Feeling foggy, dazed, or slowed down
- Trouble concentrating or remembering
- Confusion
Emotional
- Irritability
- Feeling sadder or more emotional than usual
- Anxiety
Sleep-Related
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Trouble falling asleep
Concussion Symptoms in Children and Toddlers
Young children can't always describe how they feel. Watch for excessive crying, irritability, changes in eating or sleeping, listlessness, loss of balance, or a lack of interest in favorite toys. Watch any head injury in a child closely, and get care if anything worries you.
What to Do If You Have a Concussion
- Stop the activity β don't return to sports, work, or driving until you're cleared
- Get evaluated by a doctor to confirm the concussion and rule out anything more serious
- Rest at first, then ease back in with a gradual, guided return to activity
- Avoid re-injury β a second concussion before the first heals can be dangerous
- Watch for warning signs and go back to the ER if symptoms worsen
Can you sleep with a concussion? Yes. The old rule about staying awake is a myth β rest and sleep are part of recovery. That said, if the person has emergency warning signs or can't be woken normally, get emergency care right away.
Can you drive with a concussion? Not until a doctor clears you. A concussion can slow your reaction time and hurt your concentration, which makes driving risky.
How Is a Concussion Diagnosed?
A concussion is a clinical diagnosis β there's no single test that confirms it. Your visit may include:
- A review of how the injury happened and what symptoms you have
- A neurological exam of thinking, memory, balance, coordination, vision, and reflexes
- Cognitive and balance testing
- Imaging such as CT or MRI when it's needed to rule out a more serious injury like bleeding
How Long Does a Concussion Last?
Recovery varies from person to person, which is why guided care helps and why pushing too hard too soon tends to backfire. As a general guide:
| Who | Typical recovery | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Most adults | Within about 2 weeks | Often sooner with rest and a gradual return to activity |
| Children & teens | Can take a little longer | Return to school and sport should be gradual and symptom-guided |
| Post-concussion syndrome | Weeks to months | Symptoms persist past the usual window β where a neurologist's plan makes the difference |
Returning to Activity β Step by Step
Recovery works best as a stepwise, symptom-guided return, not an all-or-nothing switch. The general path:
- Relative rest (first day or two)
Ease off screens and hard mental or physical effort β but you don't need a dark room. Light daily activity is fine.
- Light activity
Gentle walking and easy tasks that don't make symptoms worse.
- Moderate activity
Add more mental work (school or a return to lighter duties at work) and light exercise, backing off if symptoms flare.
- Near-full activity
Return to most activities and non-contact exercise as tolerated.
- Full return
Including sports and contact activity β only after a doctor clears you and you're symptom-free.
Move up a step only if symptoms don't worsen. If they do, drop back to the previous level and progress more slowly.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
For some people, symptoms last longer than expected β weeks or even months. That's called post-concussion syndrome (PCS), and it can include persistent headaches, dizziness, trouble concentrating, memory problems, fatigue, irritability, and disrupted sleep.
PCS is where a neurologist's care really pays off. We evaluate the lingering symptoms, rule out other causes, and build a targeted plan for the headaches, dizziness, sleep, and cognitive symptoms β rather than telling you to just wait it out.
Concussion Treatment
Treatment supports the brain's recovery and manages symptoms along the way. Your plan may include:
- Guided rest and a gradual return to school, work, and activity
- Symptom management for headaches, dizziness, sleep, and mood
- Activity and screen-time guidance during recovery
- A safe return-to-play or return-to-work plan
- Targeted therapy for lingering symptoms, such as vestibular therapy for dizziness
- Ongoing follow-up until you've fully recovered
Concussion After a Car Accident
Concussions are common after car accidents, even without a direct blow to the head β the rapid jolt can be enough. If you've been in a collision and have headaches, fogginess, dizziness, or other symptoms, get evaluated. Prompt care and documentation matter for your recovery and for any insurance or injury claim.
What Our Patients Say
Mir Neurology is one of the most reviewed neurology practices in the region, rated 4.6β across 200+ Google reviews.
"Dr. Khan did a thorough evaluation for my daughter. He was patient and took his time making sure we understood the next steps for her recovery. We were thankful that she was able to schedule an appointment a few days after leaving the ER."
"If you are looking for a neurologist, I highly recommend Dr. Mir and his wonderful staff. They treat you like a person and truly care about your well being."
A Concussion Doctor Near You β Serving Western Maryland & the Tri-State Area
With offices in Cumberland and Hagerstown, you can get expert concussion care close to home.
Maryland
Cumberland, Hagerstown, LaVale, Frostburg, Cresaptown, Hancock, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Boonsboro
West Virginia
Martinsburg, Keyser, Romney, Berkeley Springs, Paw Paw
Pennsylvania
Waynesboro, Greencastle, Chambersburg, Mercersburg
Cumberland office: 924 Seton Dr Suite C, Cumberland, MD 21502 β MonβSat, 7:30 AM β 4:30 PM
Hagerstown office: 11110 Medical Campus Rd Unit 151, Hagerstown, MD 21742 β MonβFri, 7:30 AM β 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of doctor treats concussions?
A neurologist β a specialist in the brain and nervous system β evaluates and treats concussions. Neurologists are especially valuable for confirming the diagnosis, guiding recovery, and treating lingering symptoms or post-concussion syndrome.
Can you sleep with a concussion?
Yes. Rest and sleep help recovery, and the "stay awake" rule is a myth. But if there are warning signs β repeated vomiting, a worsening headache, confusion, or trouble waking the person β get emergency care first.
Can you drive with a concussion?
Not until a doctor clears you. A concussion can slow reaction time and affect concentration, so it's safest to hold off on driving during recovery.
How long does a concussion last?
Most adults improve within about two weeks, though some symptoms last longer, and children and teens may take a bit more time. Symptoms that persist past the usual window may be post-concussion syndrome.
How long does post-concussion syndrome last?
PCS can last weeks to months. With a targeted plan for headaches, dizziness, sleep, and cognitive symptoms, most people improve β which is exactly what a neurologist helps with.
Is a concussion a TBI?
Yes. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. "Mild" means not life-threatening, but it's still a real brain injury that should be taken seriously.
Should I see a doctor for a concussion after a car accident?
Yes. Concussions happen in collisions even without a direct blow to the head. If you have headaches, fogginess, or dizziness after an accident, get evaluated β it helps your recovery and documents the injury for any claim.
When should I see a doctor for a concussion?
See a doctor for any suspected concussion. Seek emergency care for a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, confusion, weakness, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness.
Do I need a referral, and where can I find a concussion doctor near me?
Many patients can self-refer, though some plans require a referral. Mir Neurology provides concussion and post-concussion care at our Cumberland and Hagerstown offices β call (301) 797-7600 and we'll confirm your coverage.
Get Help for Concussion & Post-Concussion Symptoms
If you're recovering from a concussion, or you're still dealing with headaches, dizziness, memory problems, or other lingering symptoms, Mir Neurology provides expert evaluation and a personalized plan to help you recover safely.
Request an appointment | (301) 797-7600
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you or someone else may be having a medical emergency, call 911.