Post-concussion doctor: concussion, post-concussive syndrome and whiplash

What are the symptoms of concussion and whiplash?

Concussion symptoms can start right away or appear hours or days later:

• Physical: headache, dizziness or balance problems, sensitivity to light or noise, nausea, vision problems, tiredness
• Thinking and memory: trouble concentrating, feeling slowed down or foggy, memory problems
• Emotional: irritability, anxiety, sadness, feeling more emotional
• Sleep: sleeping more or less than usual, trouble falling asleep

Whiplash symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, pain that spreads to the head, shoulders or upper back, muscle spasms, headaches, dizziness, and numbness or tingling in the arms.

What is post-concussive syndrome?

Most people feel better within a couple of weeks after a concussion. When symptoms such as headache, dizziness, trouble concentrating, irritability or poor sleep last for weeks or longer, this is often called post-concussive (post-concussion) syndrome. A neurological evaluation helps identify which symptoms are driving the problem and how to treat them.

When should you see a doctor?

See a clinician if symptoms last more than a couple of weeks, get worse, or keep you from work, school or driving. Get emergency care for a headache that gets worse and does not go away, weakness or numbness, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, a seizure, unusual behavior, or loss of consciousness.

How are concussion and whiplash evaluated at INPM?

Your clinician asks about the injury and your symptoms and does a neurological exam. Depending on your symptoms, in-office tests can measure thinking skills and balance:

• Cognitive testing (Creyos)Memory and thinkingLearn more about Cognitive testing (Creyos)
• VNG and balance testingDizziness and vertigoLearn more about VNG and balance testing
• Carotid / transcranial DopplerBlood flow to the brainLearn more about Carotid / transcranial Doppler
• Autonomic testingFainting and dizzinessLearn more about Autonomic testing

What treatment options are available?

Most people recover with relative rest and a gradual return to activity. For lasting headache and neck pain, options at INPM include:

• Nerve blocksAnesthetic injections near a nerve to relieve headache and painLearn more about Nerve blocks
• Trigger point injectionsAnesthetic injections into tight muscle knots that trigger painLearn more about Trigger point injections

Dr. Anand also provides independent medical opinions for concussion and traumatic brain injury cases.

Who treats concussion and whiplash at INPM?

• 

  Jessica Beck, PA-C

  Physician Assistant · Traumatic brain injury, migraine, seizures and memory loss

• 

  Dr. Amar Anand

  Neurologist · Headache, stroke and neuroimaging

Where can you be seen?