Concussion Clinic

What is a Concussion Clinic?

Beacon’s Concussion Clinic is available for the unique needs of individuals who have experienced a head injury.

If you believe a concussion has occurred, we first recommend that you be evaluated by a physician trained in concussion management. Our clinic has a staff of certified specialists offering an individualized approach to care.

We are recognized among the region’s leading comprehensive concussion management programs. We assist athletes, parents and coaches in proper identification of concussion and guide the recovery of concussed individuals so they are able to return to play or activity as soon as safely possible.

Concussion symptoms

Noticed by others:

• Dazed or stunned
• Vacant stare
• Confusion
• Amnesia
• Unsure of surroundings
• Answers questions more slowly
• Repeatedly asks the same questions
• Balance problems
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows behavior or personality changes
• Difference in pupil size from right to left eye, dilated pupils

Complaints by the injured person:

• Headache (especially one that increases in intensity)
• “Pressure in head”
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Feeling slowed down
• Dizziness
• Feeling like “in a fog”
• Blurry or double vision
• Difficulty concentrating
• Ringing in the ears
• Fatigue or low energy

Who can benefit from the Concussion Clinic?

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way the brain functions. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination. Head injuries should not be taken lightly, especially with youth. A child’s brain is still developing and their neck muscles are weak. That means a young brain shakes more than an adult’s brain. Additionally, developing brains that have experienced a concussion do not recover as quickly as an adult’s brain.

Improperly treating a concussion or returning to play/activity before allowing the brain to heal can pose real dangers on an individual’s short-and long-term well-being.

A concussion can affect academics, employment and social life, and may result in memory, mood, behavior and mobility problems if not managed correctly.

Services

Our team has established standards that we customize for each individual, including:

• Return-to-play guidelines
• Academic accommodations
• Forms to notify school/employer of specific restrictions based on the plan of care

We offer access to:

• Post-injury evaluation/testing/rehab
• Concussion education presentation to groups
• Certified athletic trainers
• Sports medicine physicians
• Physical therapists specializing in balance and vestibular therapy
• Speech language pathologists
• Neuropsychologists
• Neurosurgeons