Treatment FAQ

what treatment can a neurologist help from a concussion

by Prof. Erika Brown MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Neurologists

Neurology

Neurology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Neurology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of conditions and disease involving the central and peripheral nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue, …

with decades of concussion experience perform thorough evaluations and deliver exceptional care. For eligible patients, we offer advanced treatments, including vision and vestibular therapy from specially trained therapists. Our services help you safely return to daily life and your favorite activities when the time is right.

A neurologist can prescribe medication to manage neurological conditions such as pain, nerve issues, and neuromuscular disorders, including migraines and persistent headaches. Medication is a mixed bag: For some conditions, like post-traumatic migraines, it can significantly increase quality-of-life.Oct 16, 2020

Full Answer

What type of Doctor treats a concussion?

Depending on how long it has been since the concussion the neurologist will recommend different treatment and rehabilitation regimes. For this rehabilitation, they may recommend a short rest period, but often they will start the patient on a low-intensity non …

What are the guidelines for a concussion?

This is the most ideal option of medical care because the sports neurologist uses a multi-disciplinary approach to help the patient. Another sub specialty in neurology that is a good option for concussions is headache neurologists. These specialized doctors perform a detailed examination of your brain to determine the extent of the damage that had been inflicted by the …

How to find the best concussion clinics near you?

Jul 22, 2014 · In the last 3 decades, the neurology landscape has changed. Once primarily an academic profession with limited treatment options, neurology now is a clinical field with treatments available in the acute care setting. Treatment of an acute ischemic stroke may begin with tissue plasminogen activator given in the emergency room within 4.5 hours of …

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What does a neurologist do for concussions?

Neurological exams – A neurological exam to help diagnose a concussion may include physical tests to make sure your brain is working as it should. Your doctor may test your strength, reflexes, coordination, balance, hearing, nerve function, ability to feel (sensation), and mental status.

Should I go to a neurologist for a concussion?

In most cases, it is not necessary to see a neurologist following a concussion. A lot of our patients go to the ER to get checked out in the first few days, which is a very appropriate course of action.Jul 12, 2021

What are 3 treatment options for a concussion?

The top 5 most effective evidence-based treatment options for concussion:
  • Exercise Therapy. ...
  • Manual Therapy & Neck Rehab. ...
  • Diet/Nutritional Changes. ...
  • Vestibular and Visual Rehab. ...
  • Education and Reassurance (due to Psychological Comorbidities)
Jun 29, 2016

Do neurologists treat head injuries?

If a head injury is serious, a specialist in neurotrauma will be called in to consult. For follow-up care and evaluation, patients may be seen by a neurologist, neurosurgeon, or neuropsychologist, depending on need. Imaging studies (MRI or CT scans) may be ordered if there is any reason to suspect complications.

Can an MRI show concussion?

Brain scans are usually not helpful for a concussion.

An MRI creates clear images of brain tissue. But these scans cannot show if you have a concussion. A concussion is different from a fracture or bleeding. A concussion affects how your brain works, and most people recover within a few weeks.

Can an MRI detect post-concussion syndrome?

MRI can detect resting state changes in the brains of patients with post-concussion syndrome. Results showed that communication and information integration in the brain are disrupted after mild head injury. Post-concussion syndrome affects approximately 20 to 30 percent of people who suffer mild traumatic brain injury.Nov 21, 2012

What is the rehab for a concussion?

Vestibular Rehabilitation & Vision Therapy

Visual disturbances and dizziness are common following concussion. A balance and visual rehabilitation program may help to reduce symptoms such as dizziness, visual abnormalities, concentration issues and memory problems, among other symptoms.

What can a CT scan reveal about a head injury?

CT scans can show if there is swelling or bleeding in the brain or a fracture in the skull. If you have signs of a serious injury, a CT scan is usually the best first test to diagnose it. Your health care provider will look for specific signs of a more serious problem.

What are two forms of treatment for a concussion?

Physical and mental rest

Your doctor will recommend that you physically and mentally rest to recover from a concussion. Relative rest, which includes limiting activities that require thinking and mental concentration, is recommended for the first two days after a concussion.
Feb 17, 2022

When do you need an MRI for a concussion?

When Do You Need an MRI for Concussions? You should always contact a doctor after any head injury. Most doctors will recommend brain imaging if your concussion symptoms don't go away within two days. In some cases, concussions are associated with other types of damage such as skull fractures or internal bleeding.May 5, 2021

What to do after a concussion?

Taking appropriate rest is vital after someone has had a concussion. Doctors also advise these people to undergo minimal stress in order to recover properly. The health care professionals offer treatment of a migraine or pain. Specialists like neurologists and/or psychiatrists are the best experts in managing and giving the required mental care the patient needs. Sometimes, patients suffering from post-concussion syndrome may be given antidepressants and psychotherapy as well.

Can you take antidepressants for post-concussion syndrome?

Sometimes, patients suffering from post-concussion syndrome may be given antidepressants and psychotherapy as well. It is important to understand the diagnosis given by the doctor, and they also require as much openness as possible.

How long does it take for a concussion to go away?

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury which can present with various symptoms and these symptoms usually resolve after a few days or weeks at most a month.

What is the medical term for a post-concussion patient?

Patients with the post-concussion syndrome also known as a post-concussive syndrome (PCS) should seek the aid of a neurologist for proper evaluation and management of the condition.

How do you know if you have a concussion?

Some of the typical symptoms experienced by people suffering from a concussion are: Headaches are quite severe when they are felt after a trauma to the head, especially when they are frequent and coming back repeatedly.

Is it scary to have a concussion?

However, in a concussion, it will be experienced without any significant movement, which makes it scary. Fatigue is often related to many conditions such as usual overworking, or lack of rest, or even more severe disorders such as depression.

What kind of doctor treats migraines?

The health care professionals offer treatment of a migraine or pain. Specialists like neurologists and/or psychiatrists are the best experts in managing and giving the required mental care the patient needs.

What Can a Neurologist Do for Your Concussion?

Before diving into what a neurologist can do to help with your concussion, let’s take a moment to understand what a neurologist is.

Seeing a Walk-In Doctor vs. a Neurologist

Most people who have sustained concussions get over their symptoms in a couple of weeks and recover fully.

Concussion Management and Recovery In Ottawa

Have you recently experienced a blow to the head that has left you feeling dizzy and disoriented?

What to take for headaches after concussion?

If you have a headache, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may ease the pain. Avoid taking other pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) if you suspect you've had a concussion. These may increase the risk of bleeding. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Concussion care at Mayo Clinic.

Why do you need a CT scan for a concussion?

For children with suspected concussion, CT scans are only used if there are specific criteria met, such as the type of injury or signs of a skull fracture. This is to avoid radiation exposure in young children.

How long does it take for a concussion to show up?

Signs and symptoms of a concussion may not appear until hours or days after the injury. Tests your doctor may perform or recommend include a neurological examination, cognitive testing and imaging tests.

How long do you have to stay in hospital after a concussion?

If your doctor agrees that you may be observed at home, someone should stay with you and check on you for at least 24 hours to ensure that your symptoms aren't worsening.

Can you play sports after a concussion?

Eventually, once all signs and symptoms of concussion have resolved, you and your doctor can discuss the steps you'll need to take to safely play sports again. Resuming sports too soon increases the risk of another brain injury.

How long after a concussion can you get headaches?

Headaches may occur in the days or weeks after a concussion. To manage pain, ask your doctor if it's safe to take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Avoid other pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and aspirin, as these medications may increase the risk of bleeding.

What is brain imaging?

Brain imaging may be recommended for some people with signs and symptoms such as severe headaches, seizures, repeated vomiting or symptoms that are becoming worse. Brain imaging may determine whether the injury is severe and has caused bleeding or swelling in the skull.

How to recover from a concussion?

Restful sleep is important in all stages of recovery from concussion. If getting to sleep or staying asleep is difficult, discuss this with your doctor for further recommendations. Sleep behavior techniques may be helpful as is the use of certain medications.

Can you exercise during a concussion recovery?

New studies, including one performed at Michigan NeuroSport, suggest that limited exercise during the recovery phase allows for quicker recovery from concussion. Return to physical activity and exercise should be gradual and determined by your doctor. Examples of cardiovascular exercises that are started during this phase include use ...

What is the recovery process of a concussion?

Recovery from concussion is a complex and dynamic process. During recovery it is critical to identify the factors responsible for symptoms and to develop a treatment plan targeting them. If recovery is not properly managed it can lead to unnecessarily prolonged recovery. Management of recovery should be individualized and directed by ...

How long after a concussion should you rest?

Persistent double vision or loss of vision. Increasingly restless, agitated, or combative. In the first one to two days after suffering a concussion, near complete rest is important.

Is it safe to take naproxen after a concussion?

After the first 24 hours, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Naprosyn, Aleve) are generally more effective for pain relief, and are safe. In some patients, nausea and vomiting can be bothersome, and prescription medications can help. Restful sleep is important in all stages of recovery from concussion.

Can you sleep after a concussion?

In some patients, nausea and vomiting can be bothersome, and prescription medications can help. Restful sleep is important in all stages of recovery from concussion. If getting to sleep or staying asleep is difficult, discuss this with your doctor for further recommendations.

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

Common treatable causes of concussion-like symptoms include; neck injury, dizziness, lightheadedness, vision problems, difficulty with sleep, and new or worsening mood symptoms.

What is Functional Neurology?

Functional neurology is a method of chiropractic care that aims to address disorders affecting the brain and central nervous system (CNS). The approach was pioneered by Canadian chiropractor Dr. Ted Carrick in the 1970s and it is sometimes called ‘chiropractic neurology’.

Driving Neuroplasticity

Functional neurology was developed from a number of ideas popularized by modern neuroscientific research, most notably the concept of neuroplasticity. The idea behind neuroplasticity is that brains can change and adapt over the course of our lifetime (even well into adulthood), in response to the specific demands placed upon them.

How Functional Neurology Works

As we explained before, neuroplasticity allows brains to change and adapt in response to the specific demands placed upon them. By intentionally directing brain activity to open neural pathways, in areas affected by brain damage, you can help the areas of the brain that need the most support.

What is a therapist for a concussion?

Therapists with specialized training in neurological issues can evaluate and treat problems related to concussion. Because no two concussions are the same, the therapist’s examination is essential to assess your individual symptoms and limitations. The therapist then designs a treatment program.

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

The Speech and Language Pathologists can help treat patients who have the following after a concussion: 1 difficulty thinking clearly 2 difficulty remembering new information 3 difficulty with attention and concentration 4 difficulty with expressive and/or receptive language skills

What is neuropsychology therapy?

Neuropsychological therapy focuses on brain functioning and helps concussed patients and their health care providers understand how different areas and systems of the brain are working. Brain function is evaluated by a neuropsychologist by objectively testing memory and thinking skills with tests similar to the computerized ImPACT baseline screening and post-concussion tests.

What is visual rehabilitation?

Visual rehabilitation is performed by an occupational therapist on patients who have persistent visual#N#complaints, such as light sensitivity , blurry vision , eye strain/headaches, double vision or difficulty with reading or school work.

Can a neurologist treat a concussion?

These medications, however, just mask symptoms without treating the root cause of your injury. A functional neurologist will instead use a variety of natural therapies that will help your brain heal.

What is the best treatment for a concussion?

Brain-based Therapy. When you have suffered a concussion, traditional physicians may offer you prescription medications to fight the effects and symptoms. These medications, however, just mask symptoms without treating the root cause of your injury. A functional neurologist will instead use a variety of natural therapies ...

Can a concussion heal your brain?

Healing the Brain After a Concussion. If you have been unlucky enough to suffer a concussion, you know that the injury to your brain can leave you with headaches, nausea, loss of memory, a lack of focus and even a lack of coordination. A concussion is a serious brain injury, and it’s essential that you get quality care to heal after a concussion.

Can a concussion cause headaches?

If you have been unlucky enough to suffer a concussion, you know that the injury to your brain can leave you with headaches, nausea, loss of memory, a lack of focus and even a lack of coordination. A concussion is a serious brain injury, and it’s essential that you get quality care to heal after a concussion.

Is it good to heal after a concussion?

A concussion is a serious brain injury, and it’s essential that you get quality care to heal after a concussion. Luckily there are good choices for those who have suffered this injury, and are looking for help. Especially beneficial is the work of functional neurologists, who have vast experience in using natural therapies to help your brain heal ...

Can a neurologist help the brain heal?

These medications, however, just mask symptoms without treating the root cause of your injury. A functional neurologist will instead use a variety of natural therapies that will help your brain heal. These practices will focus on reigniting the pathways in your brain that are damaged. This therapy will allow your brain to regain its normal function ...

What to do if you have a concussion and your brain is damaged?

Tests and Evaluation. For you to begin working with a functional neurologist, the first thing that will happen is a thorough round of testing and evaluation. This will help your doctor pinpoint the areas of your brain that were hurt and damaged in the concussion.

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