The American Academy of Neurology straightforwardly defines concussion as a "trauma- induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve a loss of consciousness. Studies how there are more than 300,000 sports related concussions per year and generally there are more in college athletes than in high school athletes. Physical symptoms may include headache, dizziness, imbalance, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, double or blurred vision, and sensitivity to light and sound. Emotional symptoms may include irritability, restlessness, anxiety, depression, mood swings, aggression, or decreased tolerance of stress. Cognitive impairments are also quite common include memory difficulty, confusion, slowed processing, “fogginess,” and difficulty with concentration. Most concussions do resolve in 7-10 days with rest. When symptoms do not resolve post concussion syndrome is diagnosed.
Difficulties exist in truly judging the full extent of the concussion for many reasons. Oftentimes lesser blows cause more symptoms where more aggressive blows cause lesser symptoms. Diagnostic imaging often shows no deficits as concussions are thought to be more on a metabolic level. Therefore recently attention has been turned to neuropsychological testing, such as Impact Testing, to assess the true extent of a concussion.
The National Dizzy and Balance Center Approach
At NDBC we take a multidisciplinary approach towards concussion treatment and management. We have a TEAM of Medical Doctors, Neuro Psychologists, Neuro Radiologists, Audiologists, and Physical Therapists all specifically trained in the field of treating brain injuries and concussions. Your evaluation will begin with one of our physicians where they will perform a thorough post-concussion evaluation using the common Acute Concussion Evaluation protocol (ACE). Our physician will then decide whether your condition is appropriate for NDBC, and then may order additional evaluations with other NDBC providers. What makes our clinic unique for concussions is that we have the ability to provide IMPACT neuropsychological baseline and post-concussion testing, Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) for postural stability and functional deficits, and a complete neurotologic balance assessment in our Balance Testing Lab. No other facilities in the Midwest area provide all these components in one facility, enabling us to provide the very best assessment possible, exceptional continuity of patient care, and convenience for the patient.
Given the wide variety of symptoms associated with concussions, baseline neuropsychological testing (IMPACT) allows for individualized objective evaluation of the concussed athlete's post-injury condition and assists in tracking recovery for safe return to play. The program measures multiple aspects of cognitive functioning in athletes, including attention span, working memory, attention time, reaction time, and problem solving. Impact testing helps providers make better return to play decisions, therefore preventing the post concussive syndrome, or second impact syndrome. This occurs in athletes under the age of 23 who sustain a second concussion prior to their initial concussion healing completely.
Second Impact Syndrome can results in sudden death if there is a second concussion within two weeks of the first concussion. By comparing pre and post scores a doctor is able to determine if an athlete has returned to his or her pre-concussion baseline and therefore able to return to sport.
Furthermore NDBC uses Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) to assess the way an athlete is integrating sensory information in balance. Commonly after a concussion athletes will report dizziness and imbalance. This may be due to a vestibular injury or may also be a result of injured brain centers which are impairments in central integration of vestibular, visual, and somatosensory information used in balance. By comparing an athlete’s balance after an injury with their baseline CDP a more thorough decision can be made on return to play recommendations.
Baseline Testing
At NDBC we offer individual's, athlete's, kids, professional sports teams, high school teams, and pretty much everyone else the opportunity to have a baseline concussion evaluation to establish a reference point of the athlete's neuropsychological brain function and functional abilities prior to a concussion occurring. We have partnered with many high schools, professional teams, college's, and other athletic groups to provide their athlete's a facility to record their baseline data in the event one of their athletes suffers a concussion. We offer teams and school group discounts for baseline testing packages, please call Jennifer Ginkel at 952-913-2907 for more information and scheduling.
At NDBC we offer Multiple Options for Baseline Testing:
GROUP TESTING
NDBC BASELINE TESTING LAB - SATURDAY TESTING ONLY
IMPACT and Computerized Balance testing $30
IMPACT testing only $10
Computerized Balance Testing $20
INDIVIDUAL TESTING WITH PHYSICAL THERAPIST
BASELINE EVALUATION 1 - $120 Individual - IMPACT testing and Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) testing with Physical Therapist. Call any clinic to schedule an appointment.
BASELINE EVALUATION 2 - $80 Individual - Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) testing only with Physical Therapist. Call any clinic to schedule an appointment.
BASELINE EVALUATION 3- $50 Individual - IMPACT testing only with Physical Therapist. Call any clinic to schedule an appointment.
Brochures and Reports
Report "The 15 Critical Questions Regarding Concussions, Baseline Testing, and Return to Play Medical Decisions”" For an Adobe PDF document
NDBC Concussion Program For an Adobe PDF document
National Dizzy & Balance Center
Concussion Partnerships
