Allegheny Health Network (AHN) offers comprehensive care for the full spectrum of brain injuries, AHN Neuroscience Institute treats mild and severe forms of traumatic brain injuries or head injuries that may occur from car accidents, work-related falls, or sports injuries.
For the most complex concussion cases, our leading neurologists and neurosurgeons provide exceptional surgical expertise and thoughtful follow-up care. We help you manage post-concussion symptoms, so you can safely get back to your personal or professional pursuits.
A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a sudden bump or blunt force trauma to the head. Moderate and severe concussions due to a car accident or other serious brain injury cause more trauma to the brain, such as bleeding.
Concussions are serious, and they may lead to an even more serious condition — post-concussion syndrome. Concussions often heal on their own in roughly two weeks to a month. Post-concussion syndrome is the continuation of concussion symptoms past that time, causing significant disruptions to your life.
Concussions may also be confused with a traumatic brain injury. If a sudden blow to the head results in convulsions, seizures, loss of consciousness, extreme nausea, slurred speech, or weakness or numbness, seek medical help immediately.
If you or someone you know has recently suffered a blow to the head, it’s important to watch for the following symptoms within the first 24 hours:
These are common symptoms of a concussion, and they may appear immediately or develop over the next few hours or even days. If you experience these symptoms, it’s usually best to see a medical provider for observation. Concussions usually heal on their own through rest and avoiding reinjury. If symptoms persist beyond a month, then you may have post-concussion syndrome, and you should consult a doctor immediately.
As part of our concussion program, AHN’s neurologists and neurosurgeons care for adolescents and adults who experience serious concussion injuries or lingering concussion symptoms, such as headaches or seizures.
Patients choose AHN for concussion care because of our:
At AHN Neuroscience Institute, board-certified physicians with expertise in
concussions will care for you.
Your care may include:
Medication: Medication can relieve certain symptoms, such as headaches or dizziness. Your physician helps determine which medications would most benefit you.
Occupational therapy: Knowledgeable occupational therapists help you extend your abilities, so you can move more easily and relearn how to perform routine tasks.
Speech therapy: Skilled speech pathologists can help you address speaking difficulties due to a brain injury.
Vestibular therapy: Physical therapists use focused techniques to relieve problems such as dizziness and difficulty balancing.
Cognitive therapy: Psychologists can help you work through memory or concentration issues so you can regain balance in your life.
Surgery: Our nationally recognized trauma care team, including skilled neurosurgeons, treats patients with critical conditions in Allegheny General Hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center. We provide lifesaving surgical procedures, 24/7 monitoring, and advanced rehabilitation services to help people recover from severe brain injuries.
