Concussion

A blow to the head can cause more than a headache – it may result in a concussion, a brain injury that can affect the way you think, feel, and move. However, with prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment, you can return to your active life, safely.

At Allegheny Health Network (AHN) you receive concussion care that’s on par with the country’s best programs. Our team includes experts who use the latest techniques to diagnose and treat concussions. This level of care helps you feel like your old self as quickly as possible.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury that occurs when your brain is shaken vigorously in your skull that could have been a result from a direct blow to the head or other areas of your body. A concussion can also result from a sudden deceleration without ever making any contact such as a whiplash type of injury. Concussions are common in sports injuries, but they can also result from falls and car accidents.

Concussion care at Allegheny Health Network: Why choose us?

At AHN, you have access to complete concussion care. Our sports medicine physicians, licensed athletic trainers, and physical therapists are experienced in treating concussions. We detect symptoms that can be easy to miss, such as mental fog and difficulty concentrating. For further management of concussions, we connect you with additional AHN specialists including neurologists for persistent headaches, optometrists for vision therapy and speech therapists.

Active people and athletes of all playing levels trust our expertise. We are the official medical provider for many area high schools as well as for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team, Pittsburgh Riverhounds soccer team and are an Official U.S. Olympic Regional Medical Center. We use tablet-based technology as a tool to help with management of concussions on the field and help athletes get timely access to care. Find out more about athletic trainer services.

Concussion symptoms

People may experience concussions differently. You may not have symptoms right away, or they may come and go.

Symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion or mental fog
• Difficulty remembering events that led up to the injury
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or "seeing stars"
• Headache or feeling pressure in your head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Temporary loss of consciousness

Treatments for concussions

The treatments that are most effective for you depend on your symptoms and how they affect your everyday activities. We individualize our care to you.

• Common treatments include plenty of rest. You may need to limit physical activity and give yourself breaks throughout the day.
• For lingering symptoms, you may need specialized therapies. We offer vestibular therapy, which retrains your brain to improve balance and hand-eye coordination. Other therapies are available and utilized depending on your symptoms.
• Your care may include treatment from additional AHN specialists. Our team includes neurologists who help you overcome difficulties with thinking, sleeping, or severe headaches. Find out more about concussion care at the AHN Neuroscience Institute.

Contact us

Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about AHN Orthopaedic services.