Concussion Treatment

How to Tell if You Have a Concussion

The symptoms and signs of a concussion typically show up soon after an injury. However, some symptoms may not appear until hours or even days later. If you or your child has suffered a blow to the head and are showing any of the following signs or symptoms, you should see a doctor for further evaluation.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

A concussion is typically a short-term injury, with symptoms lasting from a couple of days to several weeks with full recovery. Symptoms beyond this timeframe are commonly called post-concussion syndrome and can persist beyond the expected time frame. If you are having persistent symptoms related to a concussion, please schedule an appointment with our concussion specialist.

Post-Concussion Syndrome Symptoms

• Headache or “Pressure” in the Head
• Nausea or Repeated Vomiting
• Balance Problems or Dizziness
• Sensitivity to Light
• Sensitivity to Noise

Baseline Concussion Testing

IBJI provides several concussion baseline options for athletes. The most straightforward and convenient is the ImPACT computerized baseline.

What Is an ImPACT Baseline Test?

The ImPACT Baseline Test assesses a patient’s:

• Attention Span
• Working Memory
• Sustained and Selective Attention Time
• Response Variability
• Non-Verbal Problem-Solving
• Reaction Time

The ImPACT baseline also assesses for pre-existing symptoms which are commonly seen in head injuries or concussions, which can be helpful during an injury evaluation. While ImPACT baseline testing isn’t diagnosticunderstanding your baseline abilities can help doctors determine if an injury has occurred and when it is safe to return to activity. (It’s not used to assess an athlete’s level of skill or ability.)

Take an ImPACT Baseline Test

You can now take an ImPACT Baseline Test using IBJI’s Sports Access app.

Download our app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to schedule a test at home. Once in the app, click to opt-in and submit the required information. IBJI will send you a unique code via email to begin your test.

For baseline tests taken at IBJI facilities, we will appropriately store test results and comply with applicable legal requirements relating to Protected Health Information (PHI) policies.

Neurological Pre-Participation Evaluations

Understanding how your athlete’s brain works prior to a head injury is the most important aspect of concussion management and long-term brain health. IBJI’s neurological pre-participation evaluation (neuro PPE) is an in-depth assessment of an athlete’s neurological function. It includes a detailed neurological examination, recommendations for safe play and optimization of long-term brain health, and a review of neurological history, including any previous concussions or other underlying issues (e.g., headaches, trouble sleeping, mood disorders) which may affect concussion assessment

Additional Concussion Treatment Options and Neurology Services

In addition to concussion treatment and care for post-concussion syndrome, IBJI’s sports neurologists also treat athletes with the following neurological conditions: