Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that, while serious, can often be resolved with proper treatment. However, in some cases, even with treatment patients may develop what is known as Post-Concussion Syndrome. In these cases, patients will need to seek specialist therapeutic care to work beyond their trauma, and make progress down their road to recovery.
Fortunately, there are care options available to patients in this situation. Health Quest’s team can provide a range of therapies designed to address the various symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome. Using a wide variety of modalities, and by making sure patients are comfortable with their therapy program every step of the way, our staff will help patients regain health and normalcy, overcoming this serious condition.
Did you know that even with treatment, those who experience a concussion can still develop Post-Concussion Syndrome? Our specialists are equipped to treat patients who are not responding to standard concussion protocols using safe, drug-free therapies. Read more about how we approach concussion treatment and schedule an appointment online.
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury — or TBI — caused by one of two primary causes:
No matter the exact cause, in these scenarios the brain can bounce around or twist in the skull. The movements begin creating chemical changes in the brain, and sometimes stretch and damage brain cells and tissue as well. The results may be classified as a concussion.
It’s a common misconception that a concussion results from being hit so hard that you are “knocked out.” A hit does not need to lead to unconsciousness to cause a concussion.
Additionally, all concussions are serious and should therefore be taken seriously, including those classified as mild. Learn more about concussions on the CDC Website(opens in a new tab).
Evidence of a concussion can go beyond a physical presentation, and may persist in virtually all aspects of a patient’s mental function. With that in mind, common signs and symptoms of this health issue include:
Treatment for a concussion is often multi-layered, as different treatments may be needed to address different symptoms and triggers in each patient. The following are some standard protocols that patients may be prescribed as needed:
Roughly 20% to 30% of people who sustain a concussion are not successful in eliminating all of their symptoms within a month using standard medical protocols. When this happens, patients are diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome. Warning signs that Post-Concussion Syndrome may be present include the persistent presence of any concussive symptoms listed above (i.e. presenting for longer than a month’s time), and/or the worsening of these symptoms at any time.
Our team can assist patients who are not responding to standard concussion protocols and care. All Health Quest treatments for Post-Concussion Syndrome are non-drug based, non-surgical, and safe to be used in conjunction with the majority of concurrent medical therapies. They can include any necessary combination of the following:
Diagnosis and prescribed treatment programs at Health Quest are performed by Dr. Sean Grady, DC with PT privileges, CFMP, DACNB. Dr. Grady holds the prestigious Diplomate from the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (DACNB), certifying him as a Functional Neurologist and allowing him to provide - in simple terms - brain rehab for those suffering from a variety of neurological conditions. These conditions include headache/migraine, vertigo/dizziness, stroke, neuropathy, concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
Dr. Grady is also certified as a whiplash and soft tissue injury specialist through the Whiplash Injury Biomechanics and Traumatology program at the Spine Research Institute of San Diego. He is pursuing dual Fellowship certification in both Concussion/MTBI and Vestibular Rehabilitation from the American College of Functional Neurology. He is the only certified Functional Neurologist in a 40-mile radius of the Baltimore metropolitan area.
Typically, a Functional Neurologist serves in the same consulting manner as a Medical Neurologist. The difference is that the therapies or applications of a Functional Neurologist do not include drugs or surgery. The treatments are brain-based and follow the principles of neuroplasticity (the notion that the nervous system can change according to the stimulation it is exposed to).
As mentioned above, although the Functional Neurology model does not employ medication or surgery, Dr. Grady will work with other medical providers and specialists to ensure a cooperative and integrative approach to every patient’s health goals.