Symptoms and effects of a concussion

Editor's Note: Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers medical questions submitted by e-mail at 2:30 p.m. EDT Saturdays on "Your Health." The questions and answers are available on CNN.com after the show.

Q: What are the signs of a concussion and how are they treated? -- Kay in Houston, Texas

A: Well, Kay, a concussion can be any blow to the head that causes loss of consciousness, accompanied by symptoms such as amnesia, vertigo, nausea, blurred vision, weak pulse, changes in breathing and even a severe headache.

There may also be bruises or bleeding around the area of impact.

The treatment will depend largely on how severe the concussion is and what kind of symptoms the victim has.

If damage to the brain is extensive, surgery may be required to relieve intracranial pressure and an assessment of the patient's neurological status should be done to determine treatment.

Your best bet here: Go see your doctor.

Q: What are the therapies or treatments for scoliosis? -- Daniel Flora

A: Scoliosis causes the spine to curve by 11 degrees or more. What causes it is unknown.

It can affect adults, but you'll see more examples of it in girls between 10 and 16.

Scoliosis can be most serious in children who are still growing, and it can dramatically alter their way of life.

Braces, electrical stimulation and exercise therapy can be effective tools in correcting the curving problem. But more severe cases may call for surgery.

Please talk to your doctor for more information.

"Ask Dr. Gupta" is not intended to address specific questions concerning individual cases. CNN does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or provide medical advice, and nothing contained in the responses of CNN through its correspondents is a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always contact your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment, or have any questions regarding a medical condition.