Concussions

Concussions are typically caused by direct blows to the head, with or without a loss of consciousness, or via a whiplash mechanism. Sports that see the most concussions include tackle football, men’s ice hockey and women’s soccer.

There are a wide range of symptoms that can interfere with a patient’s day-to-day life and may include:

• Headache
• Neck pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Brain fog
• Difficulty with concentration and/or memory
• Fatigue
• Increased emotionality, anxiety, irritability, and/or sadness
• Impaired sleep

We diagnose concussions by taking a thorough history and performing various physical exam maneuvers, including neurological testing. We understand and recognize the many ways that concussion symptoms may manifest themselves. These symptoms may be related to cognition, balance, coordination and/or vision – and are all unique to the individual.

While the vast majority of patients will recover without issue within a couple of weeks, some patients may experience prolonged symptoms and require additional medical treatment.

In the case of adolescent athletes, our goal is to ensure a swift and smooth return to school and subsequently sport. As concussions may cause issues with concentration, focus, and memory, some student-athletes may require specific academic adjustments to aid with the transition back to school. Our providers help oversee a safe return to sport by communicating with athletic trainers and coaches.

We may also refer patients to other types of providers who specialize in the treatment of headaches, cognitive dysfunction, sleep disorders, mental health issues, and vision problems, if necessary.

Learn more about concussion dos and don’ts here.