Get Back in the Game With Expert Head Injury Care
When you’ve suffered a head injury, such as a sports concussion or something more severe, you need clarity and expert guidance to help with your recovery. We use the best tools available to diagnose, treat and monitor your head injury so you can feel confident and well on your journey back to optimal health.
A Strong Team With Lots of Heart
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Expert Concussion Team
Whether it’s getting back in the game or back to living your best, your goals drive our internationally recognized sports concussion specialists to support you each step of the way.
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Innovative Treatments
Feel confident knowing we push boundaries for you. With neurocognitive testing software like IMPACT™, we can produce detailed diagnoses that lead to stronger recoveries.
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Whole-Person Care
Healing means regaining your mobility and your confidence. Our custom therapies go beyond just physical recovery to help strengthen the whole you.
Head Injury Conditions and Symptoms We Treat
Our concussion and traumatic brain injury specialists provide expert care to evaluate, monitor and treat any conditions or symptoms following a head injury. Symptoms, side effects and conditions we treat include:
Cognitive Challenges
- Attention deficits
- Brain fog
- Difficulty concentrating
- Executive functioning challenges
- Memory difficulties
- Slower processing speed
Emotional and Behavioral Challenges
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Emotional regulation difficulties
- Increased stress response
- Irritability
- Mood swings
Physical Symptoms
- Balance issues
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
Caring for You With Advanced Head Trauma Treatment
A traumatic brain injury requires detailed attention and advanced diagnostics and treatment options to get you well and functioning at your best again. At AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute, you can expect the very best leading-edge innovations when it comes to effectively treating head injuries.
- Neurocognitive Testing
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The latest advances available in testing allow us to evaluate head trauma non-invasively using software that measures abilities, such as memory, reaction time, language and processing speed. We’ll run these tests not only while symptoms are present, but also after they’re gone to ensure your well-being and safety. After all, our goal is to ensure your continued and thorough recovery.
- Baseline Testing
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It’s beneficial to get evaluated before the start of a sports season. Baseline neurocognitive testing is now recognized as a standard for all athletes at every level. Our sports concussion team will test certain markers, such as concentration, verbal memory, design memory, reaction time and mental processing ability. We’ll retain the results to compare your baseline results against your current health status following a head injury, should one occur later.
- IMPACT™ Test
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Head trauma symptoms aren’t always evident or obvious, making technology the key to accurately detecting and monitoring your condition. IMPACT™ is a highly advanced neurocognitive testing software program that can effectively measure the severity of a concussion, as well as monitor results over time so we can better track how well you’re healing.
Request an Appointment With a Head Injury Specialist
Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or were recently diagnosed, the compassionate concussion and traumatic brain injury care you need is close to home. Request a visit with one of our experienced head injury specialists to begin a personalized treatment plan that supports your whole health.
A Community of Support
A strong support system goes a long way. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive list of patient services. From support groups and wellness programs to your Care Coordinator and financial assistance tools, you always have helpful resources and compassionate people to lean on.
Answering Your Head Injury Questions
The more you know about your concussion, traumatic brain injury or other condition, the more empowered you’ll be as you and your family take care of your health. We’re here to answer these frequently asked questions. Your care team will be there to answer additional questions you have — big or small — throughout your healthcare journey.
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Q:Question: What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?
A:Answer:Concussion symptoms may appear immediately or develop over hours to days after a head injury. Common concussion signs include headaches, nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light or noise, confusion and memory issues.
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Q:Question: How is a concussion diagnosed?
A:Answer:A concussion is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation rather than a single scan. Your doctor will review your medical history and current symptoms, and then perform neurological and cognitive tests to assess memory, concentration, vision, balance and coordination.
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Q:Question: Do I need a CT scan or MRI after a concussion?
A:Answer:Your provider may utilize an MRI or CT scan following a head injury and/or concussion to rule out brain swelling or bleeding. Since concussions alter brain function rather than structure, an MRI or CT scan can reveal these other complications of the injury and concussion, but it wouldn’t visibly indicate or diagnose a concussion in and of itself.
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Q:Question: How soon can an athlete return to sports following a concussion?
A:Answer:Athletes can typically return to full competition in about 7 to 14 days, though recovery times vary. After 24 to 48 hours of rest, they must complete a graduated 6-step return to play progression. Each step takes at least 24 hours, requiring full, written medical clearance before any contact or games.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThe 6-Stage Return-to-Play Protocol:
- Stage 1: Symptom-limited activity, like basic daily tasks
- Stage 2: Light aerobic exercise, like walking or stationary cycling
- Stage 3: Sport-specific exercise, like running drills without head impact
- Stage 4: Non-contact training drills, like passing, shooting and complex drills
- Stage 5: Full-contact practice, like normal training after medical clearance
- Stage 6: Return to playing your sport, including full game play
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Q:Question: What is the difference between “return-to-learn” and “return-to-play?”
A:Answer:Following a concussion, “return-to-learn” (RTL) focuses on an athlete’s gradual reintegration into academic and/or cognitive environments, while “return-to-play” (RTP) monitors their physical progression back into athletic environments. Managed closely by healthcare providers, the “return-to-learn” protocol adapts a patient’s mental workload using accommodations like shortened school or workdays, frequent rest breaks and extended deadlines to avoid triggering neurological symptoms. “Return-to-play” focuses on physical rehabilitation, moving an athlete through graduated stages of aerobic exercise and sport-specific drills.
Find Care Near You for Sports Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
After a head injury, you need the kind of care that helps you get back on your feet — and regain your strength and confidence, too. Our trusted concussion and brain injury specialists within the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute network will thoroughly evaluate your needs using the latest testing technology and outline a therapy plan to help you feel your best again. Explore your options for care close to home with the guidance of our dedicated team. We’ll help you find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.
