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Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Diagnosis & Treatment

Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Diagnosis & Treatment at Mir Neurology

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild form of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body that disrupts normal brain function. Concussions are common in contact sports, car accidents, falls, and other accidents. Despite their classification as "mild," concussions can lead to significant neurological symptoms and long-term effects, especially if not properly managed.

At Mir Neurology, we specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of concussions and TBIs. We aim to provide comprehensive care to ensure full recovery and minimize the risk of long-term complications.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a more severe form of brain injury that occurs when an external force causes damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild to severe and can result from events like falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and violent blows to the head. A TBI can cause physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, depending on the severity and location of the injury.

At Mir Neurology, we provide specialized care to help patients recover from TBI and support them through every stage of the healing process.

Symptoms of Concussion & TBI

Symptoms of a concussion or TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common signs to watch for include:

Physical Symptoms:

Headache or pressure in the head
Dizziness or loss of balance
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue or drowsiness
Sensitivity to light or noise
Blurred vision
Ringing in the ears

Cognitive Symptoms:

Memory problems (difficulty remembering the incident or events following the injury)
Difficulty concentrating
Confusion or disorientation
Slowed thinking
Feeling “foggy” or mentally sluggish

Emotional Symptoms:

Irritability
Mood swings
Anxiety or nervousness
Depression
Emotional instability or excessive crying

Severe Symptoms (Require Immediate Medical Attention):

Severe headache or worsening symptoms
Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
Seizures
Unequal pupil size
Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
Coma or inability to wake up

If you or someone you know is experiencing severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Severe Symptoms (Require Immediate Medical Attention):

Severe headache or worsening symptoms
Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
Seizures
Unequal pupil size
Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
Coma or inability to wake up

If you or someone you know is experiencing severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Diagnosis of Concussion & TBI

Accurately diagnosing a concussion or TBI is essential to determine the severity of the injury and the appropriate treatment plan. At Mir Neurology, we use a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and neurocognitive assessments to diagnose concussions and TBIs.

1. Physical Examination

A detailed physical and neurological examination is conducted to assess the extent of the injury. The exam includes evaluating:

Reflexes
Coordination
Balance
Muscle strength
Sensory function

2. Imaging Studies

CT scans (Computed Tomography) – Often used in emergency settings to detect brain bleeding, fractures, or swelling.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Provides detailed brain images to detect soft tissue damage, contusions, or swelling that may not be visible on a CT scan.

3. Neurocognitive Testing

We may conduct neurocognitive assessments to evaluate memory, concentration, attention, and processing speed. These tests can help determine the cognitive impact of the concussion or TBI.

4. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool used to assess a person’s level of consciousness following a head injury. It evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses to stimuli.

Treatment for Concussion & TBI

The treatment for concussions and TBIs depends on the severity of the injury. At Mir Neurology, we take a personalized approach to ensure the most effective care.

1. Rest & Recovery

Rest is crucial for recovery from a concussion or mild TBI. This includes both physical and cognitive rest. Patients should avoid activities that require intense concentration, such as reading, screen time, or intense physical exercise.

2. Medications

Pain management – Mild pain relievers may be recommended to manage headaches or neck pain.
Anti-nausea medications – May be used to manage dizziness or nausea associated with a concussion.
Anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications – If symptoms of anxiety or depression develop following a concussion or TBI.

3. Physical Therapy

Balance and coordination exercises – These exercises help patients regain strength and stability, especially after a more severe TBI.
Vestibular rehabilitation – If the concussion affects balance, this therapy can help alleviate dizziness and improve balance.

4. Cognitive Rehabilitation

Neuropsychological therapy – If cognitive symptoms like memory loss or difficulty concentrating persist, cognitive therapy may be used to help patients regain their mental sharpness.

5. Gradual Return to Activity

For patients who have sustained a concussion, it’s important to return to daily activities slowly and gradually. A stepwise approach to returning to physical activities, especially sports, is essential to avoid re-injury.

Managing Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)

In some cases, individuals may experience symptoms that persist for weeks or months after a concussion, known as Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). These symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Our team at Mir Neurology is dedicated to providing long-term care and developing a management plan to address these ongoing symptoms.

Preventing Concussion & TBI

While it’s not always possible to prevent concussions or TBIs, certain precautions can help reduce the risk:

Wear protective equipment – In contact sports, helmets and padding can help protect the head.
Practice safe driving – Always wear a seatbelt and follow traffic laws to minimize the risk of motor vehicle accidents.
Fall prevention – Make your home safer by reducing fall risks, especially for older adults.
Take breaks during physical activities – Avoid overexertion and give your body time to recover.

Living with Concussion & TBI

Recovery from concussion or TBI takes time, and each person’s journey is unique. At Mir Neurology, we provide the necessary support to help you recover physically and mentally. With the right treatment and rehabilitation, many people make a full recovery and return to their normal lives.

Get Expert Help

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline, early diagnosis is key to effective management. Consult with our neurology specialists for personalized assessment and care plans.

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Our Locations

Main Office - Cumberland, United States

Our main office is located in Cumberland, United States. Our doctors have office hours at additional locations in the Hagerstown area to better serve our patients.