What is a Concussion?

A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way the brain normally functions.

Most concussions occur during practice or games in any sport, as well as from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth within the skull. Most concussions do not result in a loss of consciousness, and most people recover within a few days to weeks.

However, concussions are complex injuries that can have both short- and long-term effects that can impair many aspects of a person’s health – physical, neurological, cognitive, and psychological.

Each case of a suspected or known concussion should be evaluated by an experienced multidisciplinary team to effectively diagnose, treat, and manage the injury, and advise on when it is safe to return to playing or learning.

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?

You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after an injury, or may not appear or be noticed until hours or days after the injury.

It is important to watch for changes in how your child is acting or feeling, if symptoms are getting worse, or if he or she just “doesn’t feel right.” If your child or teen reports one or more of the symptoms of concussion listed below, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek the advice of a healthcare provider knowledgeable in concussion management.

Children and teens are among those at greatest risk for concussion.

Diagnostic Aide With EyeBOX

Head injuries are a major source of concern since the presence and severity of a head injury may not be readily assessable, which is why the FDA approval of EyeBOX is a major breakthrough in the medical field. Available at our Westchester location, EyeBOX is revolutionizing concussion care.

More information about EyeBOX involves:

• The first FDA approved, a non-invasive, baseline-free tool to aid in the diagnosis of concussions.
• EyeBOX uses eye-tracking technology to provide objective information to aid in the assessment of patients with a suspected concussion.
• Is a simple, four-minute test.  

Our Concussion Services

NYSMI | Concussion Care is a Credentialed ImPACT® Consultant, offering both baseline and follow-up ImPACT® (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing); the most widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system.

Concussion Care Services

• Baseline neurocognitive assessments of individuals and athletes using ImPACT® and other recognized tests. Coordinating pre-season screening of individual athletes and teams.
• Balance/vestibular testing and rehabilitation therapy.
• Comprehensive post-injury physical and neurocognitive assessment, including post-injury ImPACT® testing and appropriate subspecialty referrals as needed.
• Multi-disciplinary team to interface with families, schools, and athletic departments regarding accommodations needed during recovery.
• Educational and training workshops for parents, coaches, trainers, students, athletes, and school nurses. 

At NYSMI | Concussion Care, we take a complete and individualized approach to patient care and thoroughly evaluate and treat patients after their injury to appropriately facilitate a return to sports, work and their daily routine.