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If you or a loved one suspects a concussion, it is extremely important to have someone monitor the symptoms closely. Any red flag symptoms such as slurred speech, vomiting (two or more times), changes in level of consciousness or uncontrolled headache should be evaluated immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest hospital emergency room.

When recovering from a traumatic brain injury, it is important to take it slow and follow the guidance of medical providers and concussion experts. Returning to play, learn or work too quickly after a traumatic brain injury can lead to further brain damage and can be life threatening. When working with a specialized concussion care team, the providers will evaluate and guide the patient through the appropriate steps to safely return to their active lifestyle.

For concussion care and symptom management, schedule an appointment with a primary care sports medicine physician. These physicians evaluate and coordinate a personalized treatment plan using their medical knowledge and expertise coupled with the use of ImPACT™, the industry-standard assessment technology, to help assess condition and recovery. They are board-certified ImPact™ concussion consultants and leaders in their field.

Oftentimes, individuals will suffer from ongoing symptoms from a concussion or head injury such as ringing in the ears, headaches/migraines, reading limitations and balance. Prevea’s specialty care providers can help!

Audiology

Individuals may see an audiologist for a hearing evaluation if there are concerns of tinnitus (noises in the ears), changes in hearing, sensitivity to sounds and/or difficulty with processing speech in noise following a concussion. Audiologists may also perform videonystamography (VNG) to evaluate if the inner ear is contributing to post-concussive symptoms of dizziness or imbalance.

Behavioral care

Concussions take a toll on a patient, not just physically, but also mentally. Prevea’s behavioral care team is here to assist with some of the potential psychological impacts of concussions. This includes management of chronic pain/headaches, frustration due to changes in functioning, fear of not getting better and symptoms of anxiety and depression due to the changes and challenges associated with a concussion. We offer a full range of services for both the individual who suffered the concussion and family members and loved ones who want to be supportive. Services include individual, couple and/or family therapy for management of depression, anxiety and adjustment issues due to life changes post-concussion.

Neurology in eastern Wisconsin

Neurology can help a concussed individual if they are experiencing post-concussion symptoms such as headaches and migraines. Neurologists can prescribe medications to help calm the brain including Botox® and occipital nerve blocks.

Neuromusculoskeletal and pain management in northeast Wisconsin

If pain or headaches persist in a concussed individual, a neuromusculoskeletal and pain physician can evaluate for musculoskeletal, nervous or lymphatic system impairment or altered functions. Often, concussion symptoms are caused by lingering inflammation and tissue congestion within the head, and gentle osteopathic manipulative treatment can help “drain” this congestion from the head and neck. Often this will help with many of the symptoms. However, sometimes symptoms such as headaches and neck pain persist, and simple trigger point injections or nerve blocks can be helpful to normalize the muscle and nerve function that might be contributing to the pain.

Neuropsychology in Green Bay

Individuals who have a hard time with their cognitive skills, such as thinking, reading, learning, remembering, reasoning and paying attention after a concussion or traumatic brain injury may benefit from a neuropsychological assessment. The assessment is both observational and digital and is used to help detect subtle cognitive deficits such as neurocognitive and neurobehavioral functioning, particularly with processing cognitive speed, attention, memory and emotional functioning.

Neuropsychological assessment can be useful to help determine duration of recovery from concussion and help clinicians make more accurate diagnostic and return-to-play, learn or work decisions. These assessments are a cornerstone of concussion management and endorsed by the Concussion in Sport (CIS) group at the International Symposia on Concussion in Sport and the National Athletic Trainers Association.

Occupational therapy – low vision in Green Bay

Sensitivity to light (photophobia/photosensitivity) is a common symptom with concussions that can impact participation in sports, work, school and home life. The occupational therapist and Certified Low Vision Therapist can help patients with functional ease of use on their phone or computer and to manage their symptoms with functional indoor and outdoor light and glare assessments in order to determine the appropriate filter lens and frame.

Education on proper wear schedule of specific sunglasses is provided in order to mitigate symptoms and improve occupational performance and visual comfort in patients.

Physical therapy – vestibular therapy

An individual may see a vestibular therapist to assess their dizziness, blurriness and imbalance due to a concussion. The therapist may suggest specific exercises to improve posture and to reduce neck pain and headaches. Manual techniques and functional dry needling may also be used to help manage pain.

Speech therapy

Cognitive-communication therapy targets memory, attention/concentration, problem solving/reasoning, word finding, auditory comprehension and mental processing. Both verbal and written expression as well as auditory and visual comprehension are often targeted. Treatment is individualized to assist the patient in becoming more independent in daily life and resuming daily tasks related to employment and family life. Although the goal of treatment is often to improve skills, a Speech-Language Pathologist can also help maintain skills to slow functional decline dependent on the individual’s diagnosis.