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The experts at the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program know the best way to care for a concussion: It's through a customized treatment plan based on each person's unique needs and goals.
We rethought concussions more than 20 years ago, and we're far beyond the age of dark rooms and rest.
While a short rest period sometimes is helpful, our research and exceptional patient outcomes show it takes more than that. An active treatment approach — one that forces the brain to readapt to stimuli — is key to making a full recovery.
We know that six different types of concussions account for more than 20 symptoms.
That's why we use a team approach to help your brain heal from injury. Our team has the expertise to get you back to your sport, classroom, or other daily pursuits as quickly and safely as possible.
To learn more about concussion treatment or make an appointment with a UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program expert:
Neuropsychologists lead the clinical exam by learning about your symptoms and any other issues that could impact recovery. Then, our whole team works together to design your treatment plan.
To help manage and treat your concussion, we:
May prescribe physical or exertional therapy, or use behavior management methods.
May refer you for a medication consult for chronic symptoms. Not all concussion cases require medicine, but it is useful in complex cases.
May order imaging scans to rule out any bleeding in the brain. Imaging can also give us insight as to why your symptoms may be getting worse.
Will reassess you often to promote successful rehab and recovery.
Our team works together to help you through the treatments that serve you best, including the following.
Including structures in the inner ear and connections to the brain, your vestibular system helps your body's sense of balance.
The neurovestibular experts at the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program:
Exertion therapy helps both athletes and nonathletes post-concussion who may feel nervous or hesitant when trying to exercise.
Through aerobic and strength exercises, we will aim to:
This treatment addresses both vision and behavior connections between the brain and eyes.
Our brain processes the information we gather through the eyes. The brain and eyes exchange that information seamlessly to meet visual demands like reading and writing.
Concussions can create an imbalance in this network, which is what this treatment seeks to improve.
Our doctors will help manage conditions that require medical treatment — such as sleep, headache, or anxiety. We'll also help you improve performance to reduce the risk of reinjury.
You might work with an orthopaedic or brain surgeon to treat other injuries or certain symptoms, including headaches and neck pain. Only some complex cases require this consultation.
The UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program:
We know that concussion is a complex condition. But by diagnosing its specific type, we can design a tailored treatment and rehab plan so you see results and recover fully.
Understanding & Treating 6 Types of Concussions
Concussion Treatment
Vestibular Therapy
Neurocognitive Assessment
