Our approach to sports concussion care

We know the significant impact a concussion can have on your life, taking you away from work, school, sports and other activities. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you get back to your daily routine as quickly and safely as possible.

Signs and symptoms of concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head. Symptoms vary depending on the injury's severity, and common signs include:

• headaches
• nausea and vomiting
• dizziness
• blurry vision
• sensitivity to light or noise
• balance problems
• confusion
• memory loss
• difficulty concentrating
• mood changes
• sleep problems

Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. Some may have a few, while others may have many.

For small children, it may be harder to tell what symptoms they have. Signs of a concussion in small children include:

• crying that won't stop
• changes in typical behaviors such as playing, eating or sleeping
• loss of a new skill
• loss of balance and trouble walking
• loss of attention span

When to seek care for sports concussions

If you've experienced a head injury, keep a close watch for any of the symptoms described above. If you or someone near you notices any concussion signs, get medical attention right away — this kind of injury shouldn't wait.

Our concussion specialists will provide the care you need for a quick and safe recovery.

Our steps to a diagnosis

If you've had a head injury and think you might have a concussion, we're here to help diagnose and treat it. Here's what to expect during the diagnosis process:

• We'll talk to you about your injury, symptoms and overall health.
• We'll evaluate your strength, balance, coordination, reflexes and sensation.
• We'll also ask questions that test your attention, learning and memory.
• We may order imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs to rule out brain bruising or bleeding.
• We'll develop a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms and test results.

Concussion treatment options

We'll tailor your concussion treatment to your specific needs, including the severity of your injury, your overall health and your lifestyle.

Treatment options may include

• Rest and relaxation: Essential for brain healing, rest means taking time off from work or school and avoiding strenuous activities.
• Pain management: Over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve headaches and other concussion-related pain.
• Vestibular rehabilitation: This therapy improves balance and helps relieve dizziness, which are common concussion symptoms.
• Cognitive rehabilitation: This therapy enhances memory, attention and concentration, often affected by a concussion.
• Speech-language therapy: This therapy addresses speech, language and communication problems that may occur after a concussion.
• Occupational therapy: This therapy helps you safely return to your daily activities after a concussion.

The best treatment plan varies from person to person. Your doctor will work with you to create a plan that's right for you.