Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in “Healthwise Maui,” which appears in The Maui News 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 mauihealth.org/healthwise.

Q: What are the signs of concussion? When should I see a doctor?

Dr. Caesar Ursic, Maui Memorial Trauma Medical Director and General Surgeon, Maui Memorial Medical Center: Anytime someone has a head injury, it’s important to look for signs of concussion. While most people recover from concussion over time, it’s still a serious brain injury that should get medical attention.

Symptoms of concussion include headache, a feeling of pressure in the head, dizziness, vision problems, nausea, confusion, memory problems, grogginess and sensitivity to light or noise.

Other signs might be noticeable by observing the person. People with concussion may not be able remember getting injured. They may act dazed or “out of it,” have trouble following instructions, or be slow to respond to questions. They may also become more clumsy or uncoordinated.

Symptoms often start right away, but occasionally they won’t show up until hours or even days later.

Any head injury is potentially serious and should be checked out by a doctor within a day or two. However, there are some symptoms that are warning signs of a potentially more dangerous brain injury.

These include having pupils that are different sizes; having a hard time staying awake; a persistent headache that gets worse; slurred speech; repeated vomiting, seizures or convulsions; numbness or weakness; and losing consciousness. If the person has any of these symptoms, take them to an emergency room or call 911.

Concussion is a serious injury, but most people recover. By knowing the signs and getting treatment, you can avoid complications and protect your brain.

Q: What’s the difference between palliative care and hospice?

Dr. Chad Farmer, Maui Memorial Medical Center Palliative Care Program Director and Hospice Maui Medical Director: Both palliative care and hospice care focus on relieving a person’s pain and other symptoms to make them more comfortable during an illness. However, while palliative care can be offered at any point during a person’s treatment, hospice care is usually given at the last six months of life.

Palliative care can be provided for any severe or chronic illness, including cancer, heart disease, COPD, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and many other conditions. Treatment can include medication, physical therapy, acupuncture and other approaches to relieve pain, nausea, shortness of breath and fatigue. Treatments are focused on any symptom that negatively affects your quality of life, including mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. You can receive palliative care while you continue to receive treatments to cure your condition.

Hospice is a type of palliative care that is given when treatment is no longer working. Doctors usually recommend hospice when they think you have less than six months to live. Treatment during hospice care focuses on relieving symptoms and making you comfortable, not curing the disease. It will usually continue until your death.

Both palliative care and hospice care can be given at home, in a hospital, or in a nursing home. You can also receive hospice care in a hospice facility.

There are many benefits to both palliative and hospice care. Research shows that patients who receive palliative care report less pain, improved quality of life, and less stress. In some cases, it can extend survival. Hospice can reduce pain and suffering and help you make the most of your time with your loved ones. It can also reduce stress on families and caregivers.

Talk with your doctor about whether palliative or hospice care can benefit you.