Concussion Treatment Services
Unique to Northeast Florida, our concussion treatment service provides an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to treat people of all ages, resulting from all causes including head injuries due to motor vehicle accidents, falls and recreational or sports injuries.
We specialize in individualized care and creating a patient-centered treatment plan while actively partnering with the community by collaborating with primary care physicians, pediatricians, sports medicine doctors, schools, coaches, athletic trainers and parents.
Our professional team includes:
- Physicians
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Athletic trainers
- Optometrists
- School liaisons
- Certified driving rehabilitation specialist
- Psychologists
Our treatment service has more than 70 clinicians specifically trained in post-concussion rehabilitation across several of our locations. Our team works together to address the whole patient and help you reach your goals, including returning to sports, school and work.
Request an Evaluation
Our goal is to help you return to your previous level of function after a concussion. If you or a loved one has a concussion and needs treatment, reach out to us.
Services We Provide
Return to Sport
Florida requires specific documentation to be signed by a physician prior to returning to sports after a concussion. Once symptoms have resolved, individuals needing to safely return to their sport will be taken through a Return to Sport protocol. This aspect of the program begins with an evaluation from a trained physical therapist, who will take you through a five-step protocol with drills specific to your sport.
This allows for assessment of the effects of exertion after a concussion, all while monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and symptom provocation. You will be carefully progressed through the stages of the Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) Protocol in collaboration with your physical therapist and certified athletic trainer.
School Re-entry Coordination
We work as a liaison between the patient, families and school to ensure appropriate school services and accommodations are received and implemented.
Return to Work
We support participation in modified work activities to avoid making post-concussion symptoms worse. Collaboration with you, your physician and your employer is encouraged in order to create an effective plan for workplace success.
Driving Evaluation
Evaluates the driving safety of established and first time drivers who may have developmental, cognitive and disabling injuries while equipment, training lessons and independent driving recommendations are made.
Types of Therapies for Concussion Treatment
Before determining your care plan, you will be evaluated by a physical therapist who will then create an individualized plan depending on your goals and bodily functions that are being affected by a concussion.
The following treatment plan may include therapies such as:
Physical Therapy
Evaluation and Treatment of headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and balance issues.
Optometry / Vision Therapy
Evaluation and Treatment of visual complaints including but not limited to light sensitivity, headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty reading.
Occupational Therapy
Assessment of issues related to activities of daily living and issuing of adaptive equipment if needed.
Speech Language Pathology
Evaluation and Treatment of reading, comprehension, writing, and language deficits.
PM&R Doctor Consultation
Consult with one of our PM&R physicians is available if there is no physician involved in the patient care or the referring physician wishes that our program physician take over the management of the case.
Psychology
Evaluation and treatment of coping and emotional difficulties, pain, and sleep problems that sometimes occur after injury.
What is Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury — or TBI — caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
How is it Diagnosed?
There is no single test to diagnose a concussion. Diagnosis is made by reviewing the event leading to the injury, discussing symptoms, and completing a medical examination. Most concussions do not result in a loss of consciousness, and most people with a concussion recover within a few days to several weeks.
Signs of concussion include:
- Answers questions slowly
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
Concussion symptoms include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision
- Confusion or concentration or memory problems
- Just not “feeling right” or feeling foggy
How Brooks Can Help
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, reach out to Brooks. Our expert team of therapists can help diagnose and identify the right treatment plan for you. Schedule an appointment with our team by calling (904) 345-7277 or filling out our Become a Patient form.