Doctors at The Concussion Place Do Neurological Testing for Concussion Patients

Dr. Brad Gulla, D. C., Founder of The Concussion Place, has a full staff of highly trained professionals to diagnose and treat all types of Traumatic Brain Injury, (TBI), including Concussions. Multiple types of neurological testing can be done at The Concussion Place to identify otherwise unknown damage from a concussion to the brain, muscles, nerves and other body function. Continue reading →

Jun 23, 2018 /prREACH/ -- Current statistics on concussions show a continual rise in the number of people who suffer from a concussion. This is very evident in children and youth who are involved in contact sports. A new study by FAIR Health concluded that concussion diagnoses for people under the age of 22 rose 500% from 2010 to 2014. Also, according to a new study by Reuters Health, 20% or one in five adolescents has suffered a concussion. Comprehensive neurological testing is used to help determine hidden or otherwise unrecognized damages that may have been caused by a concussion. Dr. Brad Gulla D.C., Founder of The Concussion Place has been in practice in Colorado Springs since 1996. In addition to his doctorate in chiropractic, Dr. Gulla has extensive post-doctoral training in clinical neurology. Dr. Gulla practices functional neurology as a non-drug, non-surgical means of treating patients with neurologic illness or injury and is designed to specifically rehabilitate the parts of the brain affected by a concussion. Functional neurology is a healthcare discipline that is focused on observing the subtleties of the human nervous system. The skills of a functional neurologist allow the provider to diagnose both structural and functional neurologic disorders.

As a Chiropractic Neurologist, Dr. Brad Gulla D.C. provides much more than chiropractic adjustments. Dr. Gulla also uses a wide variety of testing procedures to help determine what additional symptoms may be present and what other physical and neurological disorders may be causing damage to the patient in all areas of the body. Some patients may need a Neurologic Examination. This exam allows the doctor to take a detailed look at the various functions of a 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.

In addition to Dr. Gulla, one of the other Doctors on the staff at The Concussion Place is Dr. Jesse Hironymous, D.C. Dr. Hironymous began practice in Houston Texas in 1999, moving to Colorado Springs in 2013. Dr. Hironymous not only provides chiropractic adjustments but he is also an Electromyographer and specializes in electroneurodiagnostics and exercise rehabilitation. He provides nerve conductor studies and electromyography to diagnose nervous system activity and focuses on the practical aspect of human mobility, providing instruction on improving functional movement and strength of his patients.

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure used by Dr. Hironymous that evaluates the health condition of muscles and the nerve cells that control them. These nerve cells are known as motor neurons. They transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract and relax. An EMG translates these signals into graphs or numbers, helping doctors to make a proper diagnosis. Dr. Hironymous may order this type of testing done when a patient is showing symptoms of a muscle or nerve disorder. EMG results can help the doctor diagnose muscle disorders, pain or cramping, involuntary muscle twitching, paralysis, nerve disorders, and disorders affecting the connection between nerves and muscles.

The results of an EMG can help Dr. Hironymous determine the underlying cause of these symptoms. Possible causes could include muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy. Another cause of these type symptoms could be from disorders that affect the ability of the motor neuron to send electrical signals to the muscle, peripheral nerve disorders that affect the nerves outside the spinal cord, or from nerve disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, (ALS). There are two components to an EMG test: the nerve conduction study and needle EMG. During both parts of the EMG, electrodes will deliver tiny electrical signals to the patient’s nerves. A computer will translate these signals into graphs or numerical values that can be interpreted by the doctor. The entire procedure normally takes 30 to 60 minutes.

The Concussion Place is focused on providing the best possible concussion treatment for victims of traumatic Brain Injury. The goal of concussion management is to allow the brain injury to heal with no residual effects, or permanency. Treatment of concussions differs depending on the level of severity of the injury, the age and pre-injury health of the patient, and the ability of the patient to comply with treatment recommendations. Concussion management may be organized into 4 categories: Cognitive and physical rest, nutrition and brain food, gentle activation of the brain in the doctor’s office, and home exercises to synchronize brain activity.

The Concussion Place is a multidisciplinary clinic specializing in comprehensive concussion management. The doctors and staff are specifically trained in concussion diagnosis and concussion management. The comprehensive concussion management plan includes the diagnosis of concussion, nerve testing, establishing a brain-based nutrition plan, appropriate rest plan, and appropriate school or work accommodations, therapies for balance, vision, and muscles or joint problems, computerized balance therapy, psychotherapy for anxiety, memory and sleep, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and basic medical services.

The Concussion Place; Colorado Springs’ Concussion Management Experts!

The Concussion Place is located at 3425 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Suite 105 Colorado Springs, CO 80918 For additional information or questions about concussion treatment, please Contact the office by calling 719-380-8055 or Visit the Website at www.TheConcussionPlace.com.