Concussion management and therapy for individuals experiencing complex concussions

At Shepherd Center’s Complex Concussion Clinic, we help individuals (ages 12+) recover from concussions caused by sports, falls, car accidents, and more. Our goal is to help you return to normal activities safely and quickly.

We offer personalized, evidence-based treatments with a focus on active rehabilitation to prevent long-term complications. We minimize medications and work closely with your family, employer, coach, or school to create a safe return-to-activity plan.

We know how challenging complex concussions can be, and we’re here to make your recovery easier and faster with expert care that delivers results.

When to seek care at the Concussion Clinic

If you have experienced head trauma, it’s crucial to seek medical attention for a concussion right away. You can undergo concussion testing at an emergency room, urgent care, athletic training center, or primary care facility. Your doctor will give you instructions for treating your concussion.

Most concussions resolve in two weeks. However, if your symptoms do not go away after two weeks or worsen, a multidisciplinary facility such as the Complex Concussion Clinic can provide an individualized evaluation by a team of concussion specialists to determine the best course of treatment for your recovery.

Concussion symptoms we help treat and manage

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • A feeling of being off-balance
  • Sensitive to light and/or noise
  • Increased fatigue
  • Visual difficulties

  • Increased irritability
  • Feelings of sadness or being down
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Mood swings

  • Changes in your sleep patterns
  • Trouble falling and/or staying asleep

  • Decreased attention
  • Memory problems
  • Slower thinking
  • Difficulty following directions

Concussion testing and diagnosis

Concussions affect different brain networks, so quickly addressing the range of impairments improves a person’s recovery. At our Complex Concussion Clinic, each patient receives an individualized evaluation by a team of concussion specialists to determine the best course of treatment.

Once a patient has been evaluated, our care team develops a treatment plan tailored to their specific injury and needs. This may involve weekly visits to one or more of our therapy specialists for eight to 12 weeks. The clinic streamlines care by providing interdisciplinary resources at a single location with state-of-the-art equipment. Treatment is completed in person and using telehealth, depending on the patient’s needs. Our multi-disciplinary team includes:

  • Neurology and rehabilitation medicine physicians who specialize in brain injury
  • Neuropsychology, sports psychology, and counseling
  • Athletic training
  • Vestibular physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech/cognitive therapy
  • Vocational counseling
  • Case management
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Sports concussion management

Shepherd Center has a long history of supporting professional, collegiate, and youth sports teams. However, our scope is not limited to treating athletes in formally organized sports. We pride ourselves on working with a wide variety of people from all performance levels, ranging from amateur sports organizations and summer leagues to dance and cheerleading.

We strive to return patients to their full activity and performance level as quickly and as safely as possible through evidence-based, individualized interventions. Our interdisciplinary team of specialists consults with families, coaches, athletic trainers, and school officials early in the healing process to ensure the best outcome for every patient so they can return to pre-injury activities safely.

Why choose Shepherd Center for concussion care?

People who have experienced a concussion will typically start their treatment in a primary care facility or other general healthcare facility, such as an urgent care or athletic training facility. As a specialized facility, the Complex Concussion Clinic offers fully integrated, multi-disciplinary treatment for concussions. With our focused approach to care, we can significantly reduce recovery time and improve patient outcomes. Our interventions include:

  • Unique research-based comprehensive evaluation and treatment, specifically for complex concussions
  • Comprehensive expertise spanning medical, rehabilitation, psychological, vocational, and athletic needs
  • Patient-centered individualized goal-centered care with the emphasis on return to play, school/work, and community
  • Convenience of 10 specialties combined in one location, and options for telehealth, as appropriate
  • Advanced technology
  • Patient/family education