Brain Injury/Concussion
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussions, are injuries that affect your brain’s ability to function appropriately. An estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million concussions occur each year in the United States, or one traumatic brain injury every 15 seconds. The severity and post-injury symptoms after a brain injury can range from mild to severe, with symptoms ranging from one to multiple symptoms. This makes brain injuries and post-concussion syndrome a serious injury to evaluate, as it can lead to debilitating effects on a person’s life. Concussions are usually defined by the symptoms that occur afterwards, and can be broken down into 6 general areas:
Visual
Blurry vision, light sensitivity, double vision,
depth perception issues
Vestibular
Dizziness, balance issues, nausea, lightheadedness,
fainting, ear ringing, hearing loss, vertigo
Autonomic
Brain fog, fatigue, constant headache, fainting,
lightheadedness, digestion issues, difficulty breathing,
heart racing, cold hands/feet
Emotional
Anxiety, depression, irritability,
nervousness, restlessness, sadness
Cognitive
Difficulty concentrating, memory loss,
brain fog, confusion
Somatosensory
Body pain, changes in smell, changes in hearing,
numbness, posture impairment , speech impairment
Patient with post-concussion syndrome trying to follow a target moving straight up and down.
At Great Lakes Neurology, our philosophy of addressing concussion injuries is unique and targeted to heal the injured neurological areas:
1. Specific evaluation of the brain to pinpoint the areas that have been impacted. We do this through our specialized diagnostic equipment and physical examination.
2. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of the injury – not just trying to cover up or reduce symptoms.
3. Developing a personalized treatment plan that is right for you.
Abnormal eye movement patterns following a mild traumatic brain injury
Rehabilitation Retraining Recovery
Brain Injury
Evaluation
Our initial 2 hour evaluation assesses and identifies the areas of the brain injury causing your post concussion symptoms.
During your examination, our doctors will review relevant past medical history/imaging/blood work if necessary. You will be able to sit and talk directly with the doctor for a thorough history of your main complaints and symptoms. Our initial evaluation includes specific diagnostic testing, including a VNG assessment (real time digital eye recordings used to assess brain integrity), computerized dynamic posturography assessment (balance testing), saccadometry testing (targeted eye movement evaluation), and a head-to-toe neurological examination conducted by our doctors. A review of all relevant findings will be discussed with you after the testing is completed.
Brain Injury
Therapies
Common therapies performed in our office:
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Neuromuscular rehabilitation
- Off-vertical axis full body rotations
- Eye- head movement retraining
- Balance retraining
- Gait retraining
- Neck Strengthening
- Peripheral nerve stimulation
- Otolothic Repositioning maneuvers
Individualized
Neurological
Treatment
Programs
One-on-One
Therapy
Applications
with a Doctor