The Brain Injury Program at NNA is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries. Our specialized team provides acute management of head injuries, and coordinates an individualized treatment plan to help patients return to daily living, work, school or sports. Brain injury can lead to physical disabilities, as well as cognitive, social, and behavioral problems. Our interdisciplinary team approach assesses each patient’s individual needs and coordinates a care plan with patients and their families.
The Concussion Clinic at NNA provides Fast Track initial neurological and/or neuropsychological evaluations of sports related and other concussions. Many times, the symptoms of concussion are subtle, it’s very important to obtain a proper medical evaluation following an injury to the head. Our team diagnoses the severity of the brain injury, manages the current symptoms, provides cognitive testing and makes return to play, school or work recommendations. We also provide post injury management to prevent against Second Impact Syndrome and the cumulative effects of the injury.
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. The majority of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild TBI.
In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the brain against the skull. Contact your health care professional or emergency department right away if you have any of the following danger signs after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body:
A concussion is a type of TBI that can occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
Concussions can occur in any sport or recreational activity. So, all coaches, parents, and athletes need to learn concussion signs and symptoms and what to do if a concussion occurs.
Most people with a concussion recover quickly and fully. But for some people, symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer. In general, recovery may be slower among older adults, young children, and teens. Those who have had a concussion in the past are also at risk of having another one and may find that it takes longer to recover if they have another concussion. Symptoms of concussion usually fall into four categories:
THINKING/REMEMBERING
PHYSICAL
EMOTION/MOOD
SLEEP DISTURBANCE