Concussion

Concussion

A concussion is a type of brain injury that alters the function of the brain. The effects are usually temporary, but it can include problems with headaches, concentration, memory, judgment, balance and coordination.

Concussions usually are caused by a blow to the head and can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken. Concussions are very common in sports, motor vehicle accidents and in the military battlefields. These injuries can be repetitive which could lead to long lasting problems with movement, learning, or speaking.

Athletes in the U.S. suffer more than one million concussions each year. Most concussions (80 to 90%) will resolve within seven to 10 days. The University of Pittsburgh stated that more than 300,000 sports related concussions occur annually in the United States, and the likelihood of suffering a concussion while playing a contact sports is estimated to be as high as 19%.

A Brain SPECT Scan has the potential to provide significant information and treatments when one suffers a concussion that is at times not visualized by a CAT scan or MRI. Even many years later, air bubbles from affected regions of the brain that lie dormant or under active can be appreciated with the aid of a Brain SPECT scan. These hypoactive brain cells can demonstrate progression and increased activity with certain therapies that can offer help to their families and love ones.

Our staff and physicians are here to help. We believe that we can offer additional strategies for understanding your brain’s current functioning through the use of SPECT imaging–a functional brain imaging modality. If you have questions and would like to learn more or schedule an appointment contact us at 1-800-315-5739.