Concussions

Concussions are brain injuries that affect normal brain function. Though considered a mild brain injury, concussions are serious. Delaware NeuroRehab is a group medical practice in Dover, Wilmington and Newark, Delaware, that provides comprehensive care for concussions and related injuries like whiplash. Haresh Sampathkumar, MD, and the interdisciplinary team use advanced technology and innovative therapies to support recovery from concussions. Call the office today or schedule a concussion consultation online.

What are concussions?

Concussions are mild brain injuries caused by the brain twisting and bouncing around inside the skull. They’re caused by a head blow or jolt that changes the brain’s chemistry. The injury can also stretch or otherwise damage brain cells.

Concussions are common and can be caused by falls, sports injuries, car accidents, and similar incidents. Children, teens, and older adults are at greater risk of concussions and usually take longer to recover.

What is whiplash?

Though concussions and whiplash are distinct injuries, they often happen together and cause similar symptoms. Whiplash is the forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, damaging the neck (cervical spine), upper back, and shoulders, however there is no injury to the brain.

What are the symptoms of concussions?

The symptoms of concussions vary and might not be apparent right away. Some of the common symptoms you can experience with a concussion include:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty walking
• Problems with memory or thinking
• Changes in vision

Whiplash symptoms are similar to concussion symptoms and it can be difficult to differentiate between the two. Symptoms can continue to appear hours and days after the injury.

Not every concussion or whiplash injury requires emergency medical care. However, if you have concerns about a mild brain or neck injury, the Delaware NeuroRehab team can evaluate your brain and provide treatment recommendations to support healing and prevent complications.

What happens during an evaluation for concussions?

Delaware NeuroRehab takes a comprehensive approach to care. The team performs thorough evaluations when you come in with concerns about a concussion or whiplash. They review the details of your injury, symptoms, and medical history.

Then, they use bedside clinical examination as well as objective tools such as RightEye® for visual assessment, computerized cognitive and walking/balance assessment tools such as ImPACT®, SportsGait, and Creyos. They also utilize quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) technology developed by BrainScope® and Event related potentials (ERPs) by NeuroCatch and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation by neuropsychologists to diagnose concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

What are the treatments for concussions?

Contrary to popular belief, complete bed rest in a dark room is NOT preferable after a concussion. Relative rest for the first 72 hours is followed by slow progression of activities as tolerated is ideal. Return to work, Return to school, Return to sports, or Return to your pre-injury function is the ultimate goal. 

At Delaware NeuroRehab, this goal is achieved through access to an interdisciplinary team of health professionals, including:

• Athletic trainers
• Speech pathologists
• Occupational therapists
• Neuropsychologists
• Psychologists
• Chiropractors

The team works together, providing treatments like vision and vestibular therapy and headache management to treat concussions and whiplash, reducing the risk of complications.

Call Delaware NeuroRehab today or schedule an appointment online for comprehensive concussion care from the brain injury experts.