Archive

Procedures

What neuropsychological testing and procedures are used to diagnose concussions and other brain injuries?

Two soccer players competing for ball

Be a Parent Advocate for Children and Youth Sports Concussions

Parents must communicate with the school after their son or daughter has a concussion to make sure that there are accommodations if needed during recovery.

health educator sits with patient

A Neuropsychologist is a Brain Injury Expert

Neuropsychologists are psychologists with training in brain functioning. They offer evaluations, education, and counseling for people with brain injuries. Health can educators help, too, because education is a key part of concussion care.

Abstract head and brain

What is ImPACT for Concussion and Who is It For?

The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT), an FDA-approved computerized tool for evaluating people with a suspected concussion, is not a stand-alone diagnostic tool. A comprehensive evaluation that includes additional cognitive testing, a physical examination, and a care plan are necessary.

Doctor holds stethoscope to football helmet

Getting Top-Notch Care after a Concussion

Concussion clinics vary in terms of protocols and personnel. Neuropsychologist Richard Delmonico discusses one model in the Kaiser Permanente health system.

Doctor taking notes from brain x-ray

Can We Adequately Treat Concussion?

Finding a physician specializing in brain injury medicine can be difficult because the field is relatively new, but there are resources to help.

Two soccer players head the ball

The Consequences of Concussions Are Not Necessarily “Mild”

Caroline had a sports-related concussions on the soccer field. Immediate removal from a game or practice after a suspected concussion should be followed by a medical evaluation. Death and disability from second impact syndrome can be prevented with adherence to guidelines and laws enacted in all states and the District of Columbia.

Close up of woman holding neck in pain

Three Alternative Treatment Modalities to Ease Brain Injury Associated Symptoms

Conventional treatments like medications may not help symptoms after a brain injury. Complementary or alternative treatments may help.

3D x-ray of spine/neck

Check the Neck after a Brain Injury

Whiplash and cervical strain occurs when a person’s head and neck are forced back and forth, injuring soft tissues of the neck. They are common after brain injuries.

3D illustration of person holding head in pain

Evaluating and Treating Headaches After Brain Injury

Headaches are extremely common after a traumatic brain injury, but there are various treatments that vary depending on the phenotype or cause.

Woman with eyes closed holding neck in pain

Post-Traumatic Headaches: Not Just One Type or Treatment

Headaches must be evaluated with a comprehensive history and physical examination. There are many options for treatment, but diagnosis has to be the first step.

MRI of brain

Brain Imaging after an Injury

CT and MRI scans are the most common imaging modalities to evaluate people with traumatic brain injury, but advanced imaging methods are more promising for diagnosis and prognosis. However, interpretations of findings can vary.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: PM&R

The Medical Specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

A physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation physician) treats disorders of the muscles, bones, and nervous system, and may practice in inpatient or outpatient settings. Physiatrists usually provide care with other rehabilitation providers such as physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and may work in teams for patients with catastrophic injuries or complex disorders, especially in rehabilitation hospitals.

Jacqueline Theis, OD

The Eyes are Key to Concussion Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Jacqueline Theis is a neuro-optometrist who specializes in the evaluation and management of athletes and other people who have experienced one or more concussions. She also speaks from her own experience of having had concussions playing soccer, and having difficulty finding experts.

Dr. Maureen Miner

Workers with Concussions

Dr. Maureen Miner is a physiatrist and an expert in brain injury medicine. She discusses her approach to patients with concussion and more severe brain injuries who need specialty care and referral to other specialists for evaluation and treatment.

Dr. Ernie Bryant

Discussion with Dr. Ernie Bryant

Dr. Ernie Bryant is a neuropsychologist with decades of experience treating people with brain injuries of all severities, including concussion. What is a neuropsychological evaluation? Dr. Bryant presents a case of a worker whose neuropsychological examination was complex as is often the case with brain injuries, especially concussions.

RUSK NYU Langone Medical Center

Dr. Elizabeth Sandel: Former AAPM&R Executive Discusses Critical Elements of the Field

In part one, Dr. Sandel talks about physical medicine and rehabilitation and it’s broad scope. In part two, she discusses her mission to educate the public about brain injuries, including concussion. In part three, she discusses what happens to the brain with concussions and repeated concussions. She ends with a case of a patient with a complex diagnosis after a traumatic event that required the diagnosis in order for the best treatment approaches.

Richard Delmonico, PhD

Comprehensive Care of Concussions

Dr. Richard Delmonico, a neuropsychologist, outlines the approaches to triage and treatment in a concussion clinic in the Northern California Kaiser Permanente health system. He also discusses the uses of neuropsychological testing to help with diagnosis and management of people with concussions and other brain injuries.

Person using pencil to fill in answer on exam

What Effect Does Concussion Have on Learning?

Stories of athletes like Brittany who experience concussions or more severe brain injuries can help to educate others. She did get back on track.

Keep up to date

Get updates on the latest in concussion, brain health, and science-related tools from Dr. Elizabeth Sandel, M.D.

By clicking SIGN UP, you agree to receive emails from Dr. Sandel and agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.