How important is top quality care if you or a loved one suffers a concussion? It’s important to remember that a concussion is not simply ‘a bump on the head.’ It’s a traumatic brain injury and as such, it involves damage to the brain. With every concussion, the way the brain functions is altered.

Most concussions are mild, and with time and rest the brain heals properly and the injured person recovers fully. Yet this isn’t always the case. When concussions occur and remain undiagnosed and untreated, suboptimal brain function and performance can affect the individual’s quality of life and well-being, putting her at risk for the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s as well as other serious health problems.

Concussion can affect people in a variety of ways in both the short and long term. Among the temporary effects that may occur following a brain injury are headaches, difficulties with concentration, sleep disturbances, and problems with coordination or balance. Lasting, more serious effects can also occur and may involve challenges with cognitive function, emotional stability and overall health. Reaction time may be affected, as can eye movements, spatial orientation, endurance and other types of motor function.

The best option for concussion care focuses on determining exactly which areas of the brain—which connections—have been injured. Although concussion patients may share similar types of symptoms, no two brain injuries are the same. Every patient needs to be evaluated thoroughly as a unique individual. This is the only way to identify the problems the patient is having—where the damage is, and which brain-body connections have been injured or destroyed.

Functional neurology takes this type of custom-tailored, in-depth approach to brain injury evaluation. Functional neurologists rely on highly specific, targeted tests to determine exactly what is going on for every concussion patient. With a clear picture of the extent and location of the injury to the brain identified, the practitioner can design a customized plan of therapeutic support that’s based on the patient’s unique needs.

The type of therapies that work most effectively promote new brain connections gently and as efficiently as possible. Functional neurology takes advantage of the latest research, technology and tools to help patients in very precise ways. Functional neurology doesn’t rely on guesswork or assumptions in evaluating concussion patients or in their therapeutic care. The objectives of therapy are presented in measurable terms, and progress is monitored carefully.

There are no side effects, no health risks, and no discomfort involved in the therapeutic support functional neurologists provide concussion patients. Therapies are non-invasive, natural and completely safe. Care and support is designed to improve your quality of life. The goal is long term solutions, not quick temporary fixes.

Functional neurology takes advantage of top-rated science and technologies to facilitate rehabilitation for concussions. This is the best choice for those seeking long term relief from symptoms and as full a restoration of function as can possibly be achieved.