AAA

Center for Concussion Care

Neuropsychology Evaluations

Vestibular/Balance Rehabilitation

Physical Therapy

Return-to-Play Progression

About 75% of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild TBI.

Take our CONCUSSION QUIZ (Answers at the bottom of page)

Concussion care at Gaylord

Gaylord's Center for Concussion Care is a comprehensive program featuring specialty trained experts who provide an individualized concussion management program for teens and adults. Initial appointments are held on the Wallingford campus. Each plan of care is then customized using resources on the Wallingford and/or North Haven campuses.

Gaylord’s interdisciplinary team draws upon a long and successful history of treating brain injuries. Our collaborative center consists of physiatrists, neuropsychologists, sports medicine physical therapists, vestibular/balance physical therapists and certified athletic trainers. In some cases, specialty treatment options may include audiologists, occupational or speech therapists, all with advanced training in neurological disorders to maximize recovery. Our bilingual clinicians and support staff guide our patients and their families at every step on the road to recovery.

A comprehensive concussion program

Every traumatic brain injury or concussion is unique. Because of this our team of experts will carefully evaluate and assess your injury so that we can create the most effective program to support your recovery. Depending on your inury, you evaluation and treatment will inlcude:

A brief Neuropsychological Evaluation is performed to assess an individual’s thinking and mood. Results will be used to design individualized treatment plans for each patient.
Vestibular/Balance Rehabilitation, provided by physical therapists with advanced training, involves assessment and treatment of neurological, inner ear and other conditions which impact balance.
Vision and coordination testing help to assess deficits and determine areas of strength.
Physiatry experts are consulted in the care and management of individuals to help explore potential use of medications and to assess the need for any further diagnostic testing.
The Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine team, located in North Haven, will assist in determining the proper timing of Return-to-Play in sports and activities.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a short-lived brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. A concussion changes how the cells in the brain normally work. A variety of symptoms may develop, including impaired physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral functioning, which typically resolve over time. Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness and rarely are structural injuries noted on MRI or CT scans. Concussion can be related to a fall, car accident or moderate blow to the head, but the majority are sports related. An athlete can suffer a concussion in any sport or activity. Even when the physical, and sometimes emotional, symptoms of a concussion have diminished, the brain may not be healed.

Concussion and mild TBI animation from the CDC

Concussion Checklists

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?

If someone has suffered a bump or blow to the head, look for the following signs. Symptoms can last for hours, days, weeks or longer.

Appears dazed, stunned or confused
Complains of a headache or loss of consciousness
Moves clumsily, may complain of dizziness or demonstrate personality changes
Answers questions slowly, exhibits slurred speech
Is fatigued, seems forgetful or feels “foggy”
Cannot recall events prior to or after hitting head
May have difficulty concentrating

When should I contact the Center for Concussion Care regarding a concussion?

Some patients will come to Gaylord following a visit to their primary care provider to confirm the diagnosis of a concussion. Some patients may have seen a neurologist, who recognizes your need for a comprehensive program.