New Technology Gives Concussion Diagnosis and Treatment Answers

We’ve all taken a knock to the head at one time or another. We stood up into a cupboard door or fell on a slippery winter morning and knocked our noggin on the ground. Usually, we come up rubbing our heads, grumbling out of frustration and embarrassment, and go about our day without another thought about the incident. But here’s another thought: There’s a chance that simple fall left you with a concussion. 

While you may think concussions are just for athletes or active military personnel, you don’t have to be on the football field, basketball court, or battlefield to be at risk. Concussions can happen for any number of reasons and may have vague symptoms lasting months. Often, people having a brain concussion are not even aware of it. If left untreated, concussions can have persistent effects. For people who have had a few concussions, the risk of persistent symptoms is even higher. That’s why WMCHealth’s new Concussion Program and the concussion services we provide are so important. 

What Causes a Concussion?

The word “concussion” comes from the Latin word concutere, which means “to shake violently,” explains Tatyana Gitlevich, MD. “A concussion doesn’t require a direct blow to the head. They can also occur with sudden acceleration/deceleration that causes the brain to move or twist around inside the skull, resulting in physical damage or chemical changes to brain tissue,” she says. 

Anything that causes the brain to bump against the skull can result in a concussion. Falls are the most common cause of concussions. Accidents involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians are also common causes of mild traumatic brain injury or brain concussions. Children and teenagers frequently sustain concussions playing sports such as soccer, football, rugby, baseball, softball, hockey, wrestling, and diving.

What Concussion Symptoms Should I Watch For?

It can be difficult to know if you have suffered a concussion, especially if you haven’t experienced direct trauma to the head. Also, symptoms can vary from person to person. Signs of a concussion may not appear for days or weeks after the injury. Some symptoms last for just seconds; others may linger. Dr. Gitlevich explains, “The most common symptoms are headache, dizziness, balance issues, sensitivity to light, difficulty working on the computer screen, ringing in the ears, fatigue, irritability, and other behavior or personality changes.” 

Concussions may also cause difficulties with sleeping and “brain fog,” a feeling of slight confusion or trouble focusing.

WMCHealth’s Concussion Program

One of the tricky things about concussions is that they can be subtle and difficult to diagnose. Until recently, concussion screenings were subjective and sometimes unreliable. Even high-quality diagnostic tools haven’t been entirely reliable. “Many people with concussions have normal CT and MRI scans,” Dr. Gitlevich says. 

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two serum biomarkers for brain concussion testing. A new technology called Quicktome allows more precise diagnosis of concussion. Quicktome is an AI-powered connectomic analysis platform that provides clinicians with detailed insights into patient-specific brain networks and function. The new Concussion Program at WMCHealth is one of three centers that has access to this technology.

What Should I Expect if I Have a Concussion?

If you are diagnosed with a concussion, you need immediate treatment. “An early diagnosis is key to better treatment outcomes,” Dr. Gitlevich notes. “If a concussion is not properly addressed, you may develop chronic symptoms that are more difficult to treat.”

Concussions can affect various aspects and functions of the brain, including cognitive function, vision, motor skills, and balance. That’s why WMCHealth’s Concussion Program offers a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach upon diagnosis. Your care team may include:

• Neuro-ophthalmologist
• Neuro-otologist
• Neuropsychologist
• Neurologist
• Neurosurgeon
• Physical therapist
• PM&R (physical medicine and rehabilitation) physician

These professionals will provide specialized services based on your needs. For instance, if you have vision issues, you will likely have vision therapy. If you have balance problems, you may have a combination of physical therapy to build muscle and vestibular therapy to help with stability. 

“Our goal is to have all treatment modalities help you return to normal life as soon as possible,” says Dr. Gitlevich. The WMCHealth team can accomplish this goal by continually tracking your progress with the newest technology available–Quicktome. 

Prevention is the Best Treatment

While great strides have been made in concussion diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Gitlevich says, “The best treatment for a concussion is prevention.” 

Studies have not been conclusive in determining the number of concussions someone can experience before suffering long-term consequences. Some people have continuing difficulties after one concussion, while others seem unaffected after multiple concussions. So, it’s best to avoid them in the first place. Dr. Gitlevich advises, “Use common sense and do what you know you’re supposed to do to protect your head.” 

• Wear helmets and other appropriate sports gear.
• Wear your seatbelt in any vehicle.
• Designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol away from home.
• Practice proper safety measures when completing household maintenance or DIY projects.
• Minimize fall risk in your home: use bath mats, keep stairs free of clutter, and use no-slip pads under rugs.

Why Choose WMCHealth’s Concussion Program

If you believe you are experiencing concussion symptoms, don’t wait. WMCHealth’s Concussion Program is here with the latest technology in diagnosis and treatment. Remember, prompt treatment is important for a fast recovery.