How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Post-Concussion Symptoms - Triage

Audience: adult

If you have recently experienced a head injury and are noticing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or trouble concentrating, you may have post-concussion symptoms. Preparing for a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you get the most from your appointment. This guide explains how to prepare for your telemedicine visit, what to expect during the call, and when to seek urgent care. Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms, provide advice, and guide you on next steps. However, it cannot replace in-person exams or emergency care when symptoms are severe. Being ready with your medical history, a list of symptoms, and any questions will help your provider support you better. Remember, if you experience serious symptoms like worsening headache, confusion, or seizures, seek emergency care immediately.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening headache that does not improve with rest or medication — seek emergency care immediately.
• Repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down — go to an emergency room promptly.
• Sudden weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness, or seizures — call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate post-concussion symptoms.
• Providing guidance on symptom management and rest.
• Determining need for in-person evaluation or imaging.
• Answering patient questions about concussion recovery.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency evaluation for severe or worsening neurological symptoms.
• Performing physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment.
• Ordering immediate imaging tests like CT scans during the visit.
• Managing complex medical conditions requiring in-person care.

What Are Post-Concussion Symptoms?

Post-concussion symptoms are health problems that may happen after a mild brain injury, such as a bump or blow to the head. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, feeling tired, trouble concentrating, memory problems, irritability, and sensitivity to light or noise. These symptoms often improve over days to weeks but sometimes last longer. Understanding your symptoms helps your healthcare provider decide the best care for you.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows you to talk with a healthcare provider from home or another safe place. During the visit, the provider will ask about your injury and symptoms, review your medical history, and may guide you through simple tests to check your thinking and coordination. Telemedicine can help decide if you need further tests, in-person care, or treatments to ease symptoms. It is a convenient way to get advice without traveling, especially if your symptoms are mild or improving.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

Telemedicine cannot perform a physical exam in person or order immediate emergency treatments. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, such as sudden weakness, confusion, repeated vomiting, or seizures, telemedicine is not enough. You will need to go to an emergency room or urgent care for a full evaluation and possible imaging tests like a CT scan. Telemedicine is also limited if you have other serious health conditions that require hands-on care.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To get ready for your appointment:

What to Expect During the Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your injury and symptoms. They may ask you to perform simple tasks like following a moving object with your eyes, remembering words, or balancing. These tests help assess your brain function. The provider will explain their findings, give advice on managing symptoms, and tell you when to seek further care. They may also schedule follow-up visits if needed.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider's advice carefully. This may include resting, avoiding activities that risk another head injury, and gradually returning to normal tasks. Monitor your symptoms and note any changes. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care. Keep any follow-up appointments and ask for help if you feel confused or overwhelmed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space with reliable internet for your video visit.
• Write down all your symptoms, including when they started and how they have changed.
• List any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.
• Have information ready about your injury: how and when it happened.
• Prepare a list of your current medications and medical history.
• Consider having a family member or friend nearby to assist if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider’s advice on rest and activity levels carefully.
• Monitor your symptoms daily and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Avoid activities that could cause another head injury until cleared by your provider.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments for ongoing care.
• Seek emergency care immediately if you experience any red-flag symptoms.

FAQs

What symptoms should I report during my video visit?

Report all symptoms you have noticed since your injury, such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, and changes in mood or sleep. Be honest about how severe they are and if they are getting better or worse.

Can a healthcare provider diagnose a concussion through telemedicine?

A provider can assess your symptoms and medical history via telemedicine and often suspect a concussion. However, some tests and imaging require in-person visits. Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation and deciding next steps but may not replace a full physical exam.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the video visit?

If symptoms worsen, especially if you develop severe headache, repeated vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical care immediately. For less severe changes, contact your healthcare provider promptly for advice.

How long do post-concussion symptoms usually last?

Most people improve within days to weeks after a concussion. Some symptoms may last longer, sometimes months. Recovery varies by individual and depends on factors like injury severity and overall health.

Is it safe to return to work or school after a concussion?

Returning to work or school should be gradual and guided by your healthcare provider. Rest is important initially, and activities should increase slowly as symptoms improve. Avoid activities that risk another head injury until fully recovered.

Sources

1. Concussion — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Concussion: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Post-Concussion Syndrome — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.