Concussion Care

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) offers comprehensive care for the full spectrum of brain injuries, AHN Neuroscience Institute treats mild and severe forms of traumatic brain injuries or head injuries that may occur from car accidents, work-related falls, or sports injuries.

For the most complex concussion cases, our leading neurologists and neurosurgeons provide exceptional surgical expertise and thoughtful follow-up care. We help you manage post-concussion symptoms, so you can safely get back to your personal or professional pursuits.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a sudden bump or blunt force trauma to the head. Moderate and severe concussions due to a car accident or other serious brain injury cause more trauma to the brain, such as bleeding.

Concussions are serious, and they may lead to an even more serious condition — post-concussion syndrome. Concussions often heal on their own in roughly two weeks to a month. Post-concussion syndrome is the continuation of concussion symptoms past that time, causing significant disruptions to your life.

Concussions may also be confused with a traumatic brain injury. If a sudden blow to the head results in convulsions, seizures, loss of consciousness, extreme nausea, slurred speech, or weakness or numbness, seek medical help immediately. 

Symptoms

If you or someone you know has recently suffered a blow to the head, it’s important to watch for the following symptoms within the first 24 hours:

  • Headache
  • Changes in vision (blurriness or seeing double)
  • Trouble keeping your balance
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Nausea
  • Memory loss
  • Ringing in the ears

These are common symptoms of a concussion, and they may appear immediately or develop over the next few hours or even days. If you experience these symptoms, it’s usually best to see a medical provider for observation. Concussions usually heal on their own through rest and avoiding reinjury. If symptoms persist beyond a month, then you may have post-concussion syndrome, and you should consult a doctor immediately.

Concussion care at AHN: Why choose us?

As part of our concussion program, AHN’s neurologists and neurosurgeons care for adolescents and adults who experience serious concussion injuries or lingering concussion symptoms, such as headaches or seizures.

Patients choose AHN for concussion care because of our:

  • Expertise: AHN is home to nationally renowned concussion experts who take a team approach to concussion care. Our primary care sports medicine physicians help many patients with mild concussions feel better with medication and therapy. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons have years of experience helping people recover from more severe forms of brain injuries. Get more information about sports-related concussion care at the AHN Orthopaedic Institute.
  • Long-term support: Brain injuries affect every person differently. Our specialists understand the impact a serious brain injury can have on your ability to work and function. We tailor diagnostic tests and treatments to your circumstances and support you throughout your recovery.
  • Professional-level care: Our team provides top-tier concussion care to athletes of all abilities. We are in the dugouts and on the sidelines of professional teams — including the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Riverhounds soccer team — and we offer the same exceptional expertise to each of our patients.
  • Research: Our concussion team works to raise concussion awareness in the community while advancing concussion care through research. Our research efforts include studying the link between traumatic brain injuries and seizure symptoms. Read more about our Neuroscience Research Center.

Get expert concussion treatment at AHN Neuroscience Institute

At AHN Neuroscience Institute, board-certified physicians with expertise in
concussions will care for you.

Your care may include:

Medication: Medication can relieve certain symptoms, such as headaches or dizziness. Your physician helps determine which medications would most benefit you. 

Occupational therapy: Knowledgeable occupational therapists help you extend your abilities, so you can move more easily and relearn how to perform routine tasks.

Speech therapy: Skilled speech pathologists can help you address speaking difficulties due to a brain injury.

Vestibular therapy: Physical therapists use focused techniques to relieve problems such as dizziness and difficulty balancing. 

Cognitive therapy: Psychologists can help you work through memory or concentration issues so you can regain balance in your life.

Surgery: Our nationally recognized trauma care team, including skilled neurosurgeons, treats patients with critical conditions in Allegheny General  Hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center. We provide lifesaving surgical procedures, 24/7 monitoring, and advanced rehabilitation services to help people recover from severe brain injuries.

Contact us

Call (412) 359-8850 to schedule an appointment as a new patient, or request an appointment to learn more about AHN neuroscience services. If you’re an existing patient, call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 to schedule an appointment.