A concussion or head injury diagnosis can be challenging as most concussions do not result in loss of consciousness or being “knocked out,” and other concussion symptoms, such as dehydration, migraine headache and neck strain, can occur in other common situations. Also, concussions may not be immediately evident after a head injury; symptoms may evolve over the course of several hours or days.

Obtaining a thorough assessment from a trained concussion expert can help you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment as early as possible. Many concussions resolve with appropriate rest and treatment. Research indicates that seeing an experienced concussion expert can help speed recovery and get you back to participating in normal day-to-day functions, as well as higher level activities, as soon as possible.

At Endeavor Health, we will start with a thorough review of your medical history and discuss the specifics of your injury. Our evaluation may include:

• Consultation with a provider skilled in concussion care
• Neurological assessments: Tests for memory, coordination, balance and other cognitive and physical skills.
• Discussion of return to work or school and any modifications or accommodations needed
• Discussion of return to exercise or athletics if applicable
• Comprehensive Concussion Clinic: Some patients may be offered an appointment for a comprehensive concussion assessment, during which the physician may add exercise testing as well as a physical therapist evaluation in a single visit. This type of assessment is currently only available at our Glenbrook campus.
• Additional referrals, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology or psychiatry, optometry, neuropsychology and others, as needed
• Additional brain or neck imaging, such as MRI or CT

Endeavor Health’s concussion experts are fellowship-trained sports neurologists with additional expertise in athletics. These concussion leaders serve as consultants and team physicians for professional and collegiate Chicago sports teams, lending many years of experience to their evaluations.

Under this direction, we’ve created a Comprehensive Concussion Program for selected or requesting athletes to undergo a more thorough evaluation. The evaluation includes a sports neurologist consultation and exercise testing in our Concussion Lab and an evaluation by a concussion and vestibular-trained physical therapist.

The Concussion Lab is equipped with cardio and agility equipment, heart rate monitoring software and vestibular testing technology that allows for a deeper evaluation of the state of injury recovery, as well as contributing factors, such as neck strain, eye tracking difficulties, heart rate abnormalities and more. The entire assessment is done in one visit to allow for collaborative diagnostic and treatment planning.

Following initial assessment, we’ll focus on how to get the athlete safely back to their sport by overseeing a return-to-play process, or collaborating with the team or league’s athletic trainer to accomplish a graduated return to exercise. Risk and benefit discussions regarding the athlete’s brain health and concussion history ensure the athlete, their family members, and their sports team feel comfortable with return-to-play decisions.