#21 - Why See a Concussion Specialist

I’ve seen a LOT of people talking about getting a concussion and just sitting out of school or work for a few days and trying to get back to regular activity without ever going to the doctor. Concussion care has advanced drastically in the past few years, and one of the most important things to keep in mind is that there are specially trained concussion care providers who can actually help you get better. If you don’t get help, your brain health could be at risk. Let’s talk about some of the benefits of seeing a healthcare provider who is specially trained in concussion care.

First and foremost, it’s important to see ANY healthcare provider after a head injury, whether it’s an urgent care, your primary care physician, or an emergency department for severe injuries. They’re the first line of defense to diagnose a concussion. Getting an actual concussion diagnosis is way more important than you think. Without one, you may be just told to rest until you feel better, which we know is not best practices for healing from a concussion.

Concussion specialists are just that – they’ve received special training in the management of concussions. General practitioners have received some training in concussion care, but they may not be entirely up to speed on recent advances in concussion care. Concussion specialists are an important resource for helping patients recover from a concussion without having to spend weeks or months resting.
They know that every concussion is different and that every concussion patient needs to be treated based on their individual needs. They’ll perform a wide array of assessments to make sure they have a full picture of YOUR individual injury and can recommend treatment and rehabilitation specific to your needs.

Concussion specialists work in teams to help concussed patients get better. There are doctors, neuropsychologists, physical and occupational therapists, and other people equipped with the skills to help you fully recover after a concussion. It’s very important to seek help if you ever get a concussion – you won’t regret getting the help you need. Head to ConcussionCareProviders.com to find a concussion specialist in your area so you know who to call if you ever get a concussion.