Concussion Care
Safe recovery & return to play.
Comprehensive concussion care for athletes & active individuals
Understanding concussions – symptoms & risks
A concussion occurs when a direct blow, sudden jolt, or violent shaking of the head causes brain dysfunction. Symptoms can appear immediately or gradually over several hours or days. Common symptoms of a concussion include:
- Cognitive issues: Confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory loss
- Physical symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light/sound
- Emotional changes: Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, excessive fatigue, disrupted sleep patterns
When should you see a concussion specialist?
If you or your child experiences any of the following after a head injury, seek medical care:
- Loss of consciousness, even for a few seconds
- Severe headache that worsens over time
- Repeated vomiting or prolonged nausea
- Balance or coordination issues
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering events
- Mood swings, irritability, or personality changes
Comprehensive concussion evaluation & diagnosis
Our concussion specialists use evidence-based assessment tools to diagnose concussions and track recovery.
- ImPACT testing (immediate post-concussion assessment & cognitive testing): Gold standard in concussion diagnosis
- Neurological & cognitive function tests: Evaluates brain function, memory, and reflexes
- Balance & vestibular testing: Assesses dizziness and coordination issues
- Baseline concussion testing (pre-season assessments): Establishes a pre-injury brain function benchmark
Non-surgical concussion treatment & recovery
Most concussions heal with proper rest and guided therapy. Our specialists create customized recovery plans, including:
- Cognitive rest: Limit screen time, schoolwork, and mental strain
- Physical therapy for balance & coordination: Reduces dizziness and improves stability
- Oculomotor therapy for vision problems: Helps with reading and focus issues
- Gradual return-to-play protocols: Ensures safe reintroduction to sports
- Medical monitoring for persistent symptoms: Prevents long-term complications
Advanced concussion management for athletes
Returning to sports too soon after a concussion increases the risk of second-impact syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Our sports medicine experts follow evidence-based return-to-play guidelines to ensure a safe comeback.
- Step 1: Physical & cognitive rest: reducing mental and physical exertion
- Step 2: Light aerobic exercise: reintroducing movement without impact
- Step 3: Sport-specific training: gradual return to drills & conditioning
- Step 4: Non-contact practice: assessing tolerance for physical activity
- Step 5: Full-contact training & return to competition
Concussion frequently asked questions
Most people recover within 7-14 days, but symptoms can last weeks or months in some cases.
Gradual return is recommended. Cognitive rest is essential for early recovery.
Untreated concussions can lead to chronic headaches, memory problems, and long-term neurological issues.
Proper helmet use, neck strengthening, and rule enforcement in sports can reduce risk but not eliminate concussions.
