The concussion management program at Heinz Rehab offers an evidence-based program to assess and treat individuals of all ages who have sustained a concussion. We aggressively treat post-concussive syndrome following the completion of formal neuropsychological assessment. Treatment will include patient/family education, symptom management, and promoting a return to previous lifestyle and function. Evaluation and treatment of sports concussions focuses on safe return to play and reducing the potential for cumulative effects of multiple concussions, or the rare but possible Second Impact Syndrome.

Thousands of individuals suffer a concussion every year as a result of car accidents, falls, assaults or playing sports. While most individuals recover without difficulty, others may experience symptoms that persist for months or even years. Sports-related concussions are especially hazardous, because athletes often return to play prematurely. The consequences of recurrent injury while recovering from an initial concussion can be severe. Younger athletes, in particular, are at greater risk of suffering permanent brain damage. Coaches, team personnel, and other individuals may have limited training in recognizing signs and symptoms of concussion and therefore may not accurately identify the injury when it has occurred. Additionally, many players may be reluctant to report concussive symptoms to the athletic trainer or team physician for fear they will be removed from the game, which may jeopardize their status on the team or their careers.

The classic symptom of loss of consciousness may be present in some athletes with mild concussion, but there may not be obvious signs that a concussion has occurred. Symptoms indicative of brain impairment can be quite subtle and may go unnoticed by the athlete, team medical staff, or coaches.

For these reasons, athletes should undergo baseline neurocognitive testing and athletes, parents and team personnel should be educated about concussion and its appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Conditions Treated

Concussion can result in a variety of cognitive and neurobehavioral difficulties, such as:

• Headaches
• Deficits in short-term memory, problem solving and general intellectual functioning
• Dizziness

• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Fatigue
• Personality change (such as increased irritability, emotionality)
• Sleep difficulties

Programs and Services

• Clinical & forensic neuropsychology services
• Neurological rehab services
• Brain injury rehabilitation
• ImPACT? assessment tools and services

About ImPACT™

As part of the neuropsychological evaluation, the ImPACT? (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) Program is utilized. In the past, determining when an athlete was ready to return to play after a concussion was based on guesswork, not on clinical facts or trends in concussion management. The development and utilization of ImPACT? has eliminated the guesswork.

The use of ImPACT? allows the practitioner to get a baseline (pre-injury) assessment of cognitive functions. Following a concussion, ImPACT? will be readministered to compare post injury test results. ImPACT? and other neuropsychological test scores will be analyzed and used to determine when an individual is capable of returning to some form of exercise and eventual safe return to play.

Return to Play

The safe determination of return to play once concussion has been diagnosed is often debated. Though long-term deficits in the form of post-concussion syndrome have been observed from a single concussive event, it is typically assumed that proper management of concussion should lead to favorable prognosis without long term effects. Conversely, returning an athlete to play prior to complete recovery may greatly increase the risk of lingering, long-term, or catastrophic neurologic consequences. As such, acute assessment of injury and determination of existing symptoms may indicate incomplete recovery. This proves critical to the safe management of the concussed athlete. The International Symposium on Concussion in Sport document states that neuropsychological testing should be part of a comprehensive and systematic approach to concussion injury.

About The Team

Dr. Raymond and the team at Heinz Rehab are dedicated to providing a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment so the patient can get the most successful outcome from therapy.

For More Information

For more information please contact our credentialed ImPACT consultant, Michael Raymond, PhD, Director, Clinical/Forensic Neuropsychology and Clinic Director, Brain Injury Program at (570) 826-3771 or email mraymo@allied-services.org. You can also visit the ImPACT website.