Concussion Treatment

When these twin sisters both experienced concussions within a few weeks of each other, their mom turned to Grand View Health for expert care. The high school soccer stars recovery was helped through use of the VSR (Very Simple Rehab) Sport System. The NeuroGames technology within VSR sport helps people with concussion “regain” balance while playing video games.

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Concussion Care

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or whiplash force to the head – causing the brain to shake within the head. Since the problem is a functional injury (how the brain works), not a structural injury, the problem cannot be seen on a MRI or CT scan, except in severe cases.

If you or a family member suspect a concussion, Grand View Health offers a comprehensive program of care. Evaluations can be quickly scheduled with a sports medicine specialist by contacting Upper Bucks Orthopaedics at Grand View Health. We also accept referrals from family medicine and other specialty providers including emergency room physicians as well as urgent care. Through a series of tests and a thorough evaluation of symptoms, we can confirm the diagnosis of a concussion, create a care plan as appropriate, and if needed, will coordinate with a concussion specialist through Grand View Physical Therapy to manage care throughout the recovery process. Grand View Health has credentialed ImPACT consultants (CIC) who have completed specialized training in state-of-the-art concussion evaluation and care.

Symptoms of a concussion

Each concussion is unique and treatment is highly personalized. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, irritability, sadness or nervousness. Sleep disturbances including difficulty falling asleep or sleeping more than usual can also indicate concussion. Individuals with a concussion often report that concentrating on tasks can be challenging and vision problems, such as double or blurry vision are also relatively common. Symptoms of a concussion can range in severity and our team of experts can help you develop coping strategies to better manage your symptoms.

Diagnostic testing for a concussion

Every concussion is different. It is best to have a sports medicine specialist perform baseline testing to determine the presence of a concussion and the severity. This may include tests of balance, strength and flexibility as well cognitive testing.

Returning to regular activities after a concussion

The length of time it will take to recover from a concussion varies depending its severity and how well you take care of yourself. There is no single way to measure when a return to regular activities is safe but Grand View Health Physical Therapy experts utilize a computerized balances system and dynamic vision system to make that decision more accurately. Our technologies include the VSR (Very Simple Rehab) Sport System, the Biodex Balance System and the Bertec Vision Advantage (BVA).

The VSR inVision and the Bertec BVA measures a person’s ability to maintain sharp and stable vision while actively moving the head. The NeuroGames technology within the VSR sport and Biodex balance system helps people regain their balance using different video games. Patients “play” the games by shifting their center of gravity. For patient safety, it is important to seek proper assessment before returning to the field of play, work or all regular activities following a concussion.

Other treatments available at Grand View Health for concussion include:

  • Balance exercises to help with stability and prevent fails
  • Visual exercises to help you see clearly while moving your head
  • Speech therapy
  • Motion exercises that allow your brain to become accustomed to normal movements that cause dizziness