Concussion
If you or a loved one suspect a concussion, it is necessary to seek a physician’s opinion for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. Do not try to navigate this condition on your own. An immediate evaluation can aid in reducing symptoms, reducing recovery time, preventing post concussion syndrome and creating an appropriate return to play or work protocol.
What is a Concussion?
You do not have to hit your head to sustain a concussion. A concussion results from movement of the brain inside the skull. The brain is not fixated in the skull but floating in cerebrospinal fluid. When a concussion is sustained the brain is shaken inside the skull, there can be impact between the brain and the skull itself, as well as twisting of the neck and brainstem. Both of these scenarios can cause a concussion, as well as a traumatic brain injury. When left untreated, a person is at a greater risk for developing post concussion syndrome, which can cause debilitating symptoms.
Concussion symptoms fall into four major categories:
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Somatic: headache, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, visual disturbances, dizziness, sensitivity to light, sound or smell
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Emotional: depression, changes in personality, nervousness, anxiety, irritability
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Sleep Disturbance: changes in sleep patterns, sleeping more or less than usual, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, insomnia
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Cognitive: difficulty concentrating, making decisions, carry out to-do lists, slowness in processing and speech, brain fog
Concussion Diagnostics
Our doctors are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions) and post-concussion syndrome. We will take a close look at all areas of brain function in order to pinpoint the areas of dysfunction that are specific to your brain. In order to obtain the most accurate information about your brain function we use neurodiagnostics to measure balance, coordination, eye movements, timing and rhythm, cognitive function, and more.
Diagnostic Testing for Concussion
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Neurological Examination
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Vestibular Examination
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Computerized Dynamic Posturography
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Videonystagmography
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Video-oculography
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Autonomics Evaluation
Concussion Treatment
Treatment for concussions is designed on an individualized basis. No two brains and concussions are the same, therefore no two treatment plans are the same. Our doctors work one-on-one with each patient to provide thorough treatment and continual monitoring of symptoms from visit to visit. Common treatment modalities include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, neuromodulation, eye movement therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, near infrared light, neurosensory and motor integration tools, cognitive therapies, interactive metronome therapy, and more.
Common Treatment Methods for Concussion
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Eye Movement Therapy
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Neuromodulation
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Balance exercises
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Vestibular Rehabilitation
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Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
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Memory and Cognitive Tasks
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Individualized Supplementation
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Interactive Metronome Therapy
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Neurosensory Integration
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Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
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Tilt Table Therapy
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Red Light Therapy