EDITOR’S NOTE: Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in HEALTHWISE MAUI, which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana’i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.

Q: What is a concussion and how long does it take to heal from one?

Dr. Caesar Ursic, Maui Memorial Trauma Medical Director and General Surgeon, Maui Memorial Medical Center: A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can cause symptoms like headaches and dizziness. With rest and treatment, most people recover within two to three weeks of the original injury. However, resuming activity too soon or causing physical or mental stress to your brain can delay recovery, so it’s important to follow your treatment plan.

Concussion can be caused when whiplash or an impact to your head causes your brain to hit or press against the inside of your skull, damaging the brain tissue. Along with headache and dizziness, this kind of injury can cause confusion, memory loss, and cognitive problems; blurry vision and other vision problems; sensitivity to light or noise; fatigue; nausea; sleep issues; and mood changes like depression or irritability.

The most important treatment for concussion is rest. For the first few days after the injury, stay home and take it easy. Limiting screen time (smart phones, tablets, computer screens, etc) can help reduce symptoms and promote faster healing. As you start to feel better, you can gradually resume some light activity, like walking. But listen to your body – if certain activities seem to make your symptoms worse, slow down and give yourself more time to heal.

As hard as it can be to sit on the sidelines, resuming sports or strenuous activity too soon can delay your recovery and increase your risk of another concussion, so use caution and talk with your care provider before resuming your normal activities.

While symptoms generally get better and go away over time, they can also change from day to day, or become more severe with stress if you are not fully recovered. Most people are able to recover from concussion after a few weeks, but if your symptoms don’t go away, or if they get worse, talk with your doctor. And if you or someone you know is experiencing severe concussion symptoms, like severe headache, seizures, repeated vomiting, or loss of consciousness that lasts longer than a minute, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Maui Memorial Medical Center’s ER is Maui’s only American College of Surgeons Level III Trauma Center, providing advanced, rapid care for severe injuries like brain trauma. When a trauma alert is activated, specialists are ready to respond immediately. To learn more about MMMC’s Trauma Center, visit mauihealth.org/trauma.

Q: What does a heart attack feel like?

Dr. Wazhma Alsamy, Cardiologist, Pacific Permanente Group: Peripheral A heart attack is a medical emergency that happens when the blood flow to the heart is blocked. While some people have a heart attack suddenly, others may have early warning signs hours or days in advance. If you think you or someone else is having heart attack symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.

The most common symptoms of a heart attack are:

· Chest discomfort. You may feel pain, pressure, or tightness in the center or left part of the chest. Discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and returns is a warning sign.

· Other upper body discomfort. Some people may feel pain or pressure in other upper body areas, including the shoulders, neck, back, arm, or jaw.

· Shortness of breath.

· Sudden weakness. You might feel faint, dizzy, light-headed, or clammy.

· Fatigue. Unusual fatigue, or tiredness you can’t explain can be a symptom.

· Nausea. Some people experience nausea or vomiting before a heart attack.

· Upper abdominal pain. Any upper abdominal pain that is not relieved by simple antacids or belching and lasts more than 10 minutes could mimic a heart attack and should be evaluated immediately.

We now know that not everyone has the same symptoms when they’re having a heart attack. In particular, women are less likely to have “classic” symptoms, including chest pain. That’s why it’s essential to take any warning signs seriously and not hesitate to get help. For more information on heart attack symptoms, visit cardiosmart.org/topics/heart-attack/signs-and-symptoms.

Maui Memorial Medical Center is proud to be recognized by the American Heart Association for excellence in heart and stroke care. Find out more at MauiHealth.org/heart.