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Dr. Brad Gulla, a widely recognized Concussion Specialist provides Comprehensive Neurologic Examination & Concussion Diagnosis as well as Comprehensive Concussion Management (Functional Neurology Approach). Dr. Gulla is Board Certified in Chiropractic Neurology, the only doctor in Colorado Springs with this designation and has been delivering quality care to the Colorado Springs community since 1996. Continue reading
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Apr 10, 2018 /prREACH/ -- For anyone, young or old, that has been in an accident, had a bad fall, or has been hit hard in some manner, it is very important they be tested for specific symptoms of a concussion. Early detection and thorough testing are critical due to the nature of concussions and the unknown long-term effects that can stem from a traumatic head injury. Because of the small chance of permanent brain problems, it is important to contact a concussion specialist if you or someone you know has any symptoms of a concussion.
Those who have had a concussion or those suspected of having a concussion may need advanced testing procedures. A neurologic examination may be needed which allows the physician to take a detailed look at the various functions of the patient’s brain, including reflexes, memory and focus, vision and eye movements, balance and equilibrium, and sensations. It is the most important part of the concussion assessment. Computerized posturography might be used which is done with state-of-the-art equipment that helps assess balance and equilibrium and rehabilitate the injured areas of a patient’s brain. Patients may need an X-ray of their neck or head area. This is done to check for other injuries, such as a fracture or subluxation. A CT Scan may be required as well. This is a computerized x-ray machine that is used to take pictures of the patient’s brain or skull in more serious injuries. An MRI may also be needed. This scan uses powerful magnets and a computer to take pictures of the head and blood vessels in more serious injuries. An EEG, which is a brain wave test is something else that is commonly needed. This test may be necessary if seizures develop secondary to the patient’s injury. Also, blood work will be done. Blood testing can reveal any number of physiologic abnormalities caused by the concussion.
Symptoms of a concussion can vary widely and are frequently overlooked by non-specialist physicians. Symptoms seen in young children and older adults can also differ widely. Young children may be likely to have some or all of the following symptoms: crying more than usual, headache that does not go away, changes in the way they play or act, changes in the way they nurse, eat, or sleep, being upset easily, having more temper tantrums or being sad, lack of interest in usual activities or favorite toys, loss of new skills, such as toilet training, loss of balance and trouble walking, not being able to pay attention, or a variety of these and other symptoms.
Concussion Symptoms with the elderly are sometimes not as easy to identify as those in young children. However, failure to identify and test for concussion in the elderly can be very dangerous to their health. Anytime an elderly or a rather frail person has a serious fall or other injuries, they should be checked specifically for concussion symptoms by a concussion specialist. It is also critically important that anyone caring for an older adult who takes blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), and who has had a fall, should take him or her to a doctor right away, even if they don’t see any symptoms of a concussion.
Concussions can be tricky to diagnose and there are many types of concussions. A person can have a concussion and not even realize it. Though someone may have a visible cut or bruise on their head, they can't actually see a concussion. Signs may not appear for days or weeks after the injury and some symptoms last for just seconds; others may linger much longer. Some people will have obvious symptoms of a concussion such as passing out, but other people won’t. Many people might never pass out, but they may describe seeing all white, black, or stars. With plenty of rest, most people fully recover from a concussion within 7 to 10 days while others take a few weeks or months. In rare cases, concussions cause more serious problems. Repeated concussions or a severe concussion may require surgery or lead to long-lasting problems with movement, learning, or speaking.
Dr. Brad Gulla, D.C., D.I.C.N.B., and his Staff at The Concussion Place offer services from a variety of skilled practitioners under one roof. Their clinic is designed to treat concussive injuries in a comprehensive manner, limiting the need for their patients to present to multiple provider offices each week, saving valuable time, energy and medical expense.
The Concussion Place is conveniently located in Colorado Springs, CO at 3425 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Suite 105 Colorado Springs, CO 80918. For further information please contact the office at (719) 380-8055 or Visit the Website at https://theconcussionplace.com/
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