Head Injury and Concussion Care

ABOUT HEAD INJURY AND CONCUSSION CARE

Same-day concussion evaluation and head injury assessment at Mederi Urgent Care across Los Angeles

A head injury can be frightening, and knowing whether to seek urgent care for a concussion or go directly to the emergency room is not always obvious. At Mederi Urgent Care, our providers are experienced in evaluating head injuries and concussions across all age groups, from young children and student athletes to working adults and older patients. We offer same-day concussion evaluations at our open Los Angeles-area clinics, with an average wait time of under nine minutes, so you receive expert medical attention without the long delays and high costs of the emergency room.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head that temporarily disrupts normal brain function. Despite the word "mild," concussions are serious injuries that require proper medical evaluation and management. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. Symptoms do not always appear immediately, and some individuals do not lose consciousness at all. This is why any significant head injury warrants an in-person evaluation at head injury urgent care, even if the person initially feels fine.

Our providers assess the nature of the injury, evaluate neurological status, identify red-flag symptoms that require emergency transfer, and guide patients through safe return-to-activity protocols. We also identify cases that benefit from advanced imaging referral. Whether the injury occurred during a sports event, a fall, a motor vehicle collision, or a workplace accident, Mederi Urgent Care provides the thorough and compassionate concussion care your situation demands. Walk in anytime or book a same-day appointment online at an open Mederi Urgent Care clinic.

HOW CONCUSSION EVALUATION WORKS AT URGENT CARE

Injury History and Symptom Review

Your provider begins with a detailed review of how the head injury occurred, the mechanism of impact, and the symptoms you are currently experiencing. We ask about loss of consciousness, amnesia around the event, headache severity, nausea, vomiting, vision changes, balance problems, and any prior concussion history. For pediatric patients and athletes, we gather sport-specific and developmental context that guides our evaluation approach.

Neurological Examination

We perform a thorough neurological evaluation that includes assessment of cognitive function, memory, pupil response, coordination, balance, and gait. We use standardized concussion assessment tools appropriate to the patient's age and situation. Red-flag findings such as worsening headache, repeated vomiting, unequal pupils, seizure activity, or inability to be roused prompt immediate evaluation for emergency transfer to ensure patient safety.

Care Plan and Return-to-Activity Guidance

Based on the evaluation, we develop an individualized care plan that outlines cognitive rest recommendations, activity restrictions, medication guidance for symptom management, imaging referral if indicated, and a structured return-to-activity or return-to-play schedule. We provide written instructions, inform parents or guardians for pediatric patients, and ensure you know exactly when and where to seek follow-up care if symptoms change.

COMPREHENSIVE HEAD INJURY AND CONCUSSION SERVICES

Concussion Evaluation and Neurological Assessment

Our concussion evaluation includes a comprehensive neurological examination covering cognitive function, memory, balance, coordination, and cranial nerve testing. We use evidence-based assessment protocols to accurately grade concussion severity, identify contraindications to return to activity, and detect findings that require emergency escalation. Urgent care for concussion is appropriate for the majority of mild to moderate head injuries that do not involve loss of consciousness lasting more than one minute.

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Post-Concussion Symptom Management

Many patients experience persistent headache, fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, or emotional changes in the days and weeks following a concussion. We provide evidence-based management of post-concussion symptoms including guidance on activity modification, sleep hygiene, screen time limits, and medications for pain and nausea. Patients with symptoms lasting beyond two to three weeks are evaluated for post-concussion syndrome and referred to appropriate specialists as needed.

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Head Injury Evaluation in Children and Adolescents

Concussions in children and teenagers require age-specific evaluation and management because the developing brain recovers differently than an adult brain. Our providers are experienced in pediatric concussion assessment and communicate clearly with parents and guardians about safe return-to-school and return-to-sport timelines. We provide the documentation needed for school and athletic staff, and we identify children who require specialist referral for complex recovery.

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Sports Concussion Assessment

Athletes who sustain a concussion during practice or competition should not return to play on the same day under any circumstances. Our providers perform sports concussion evaluations that assess current symptom burden, neurological function, and readiness for graduated return-to-play protocols. We provide written clearance documentation and work within established return-to-play guidelines recommended by sports medicine organizations. Head injury urgent care for athletes is available at all five Mederi locations with no appointment necessary.

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Urgent Care vs Emergency Room for Head Injuries

Not every head injury requires an emergency room visit. Mederi Urgent Care is appropriate for concussions with mild to moderate symptoms, a brief or absent loss of consciousness, and no high-risk features. We will assess you and transfer to the emergency room if needed. Signs that require direct ER or 911 response include loss of consciousness lasting more than one minute, seizures, repeated vomiting, worsening headache despite rest, inability to recognize people or places, slurred speech, or arm or leg weakness. When in doubt about concussion urgent care or ER, call us at 213-442-1890.

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Imaging Referral and Head CT Coordination

Most concussions do not require a CT scan. However, patients with certain risk factors, including age over 65, blood thinners, high-mechanism injuries, or persistent neurological findings, may benefit from head CT imaging to rule out bleeding or structural injury. Our providers apply validated clinical decision rules to identify which patients need imaging and coordinate same-day referrals when indicated. On-site X-ray is available at all Mederi locations for associated injuries such as facial fractures or cervical spine concerns.

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