Acute & Chronic Concussion Evaluation
Full clinical diagnosis: detailed history, symptom assessment, and neurological examination, including complex cases and unresolved injuries from months or years past.
Concussion Management & Treatment
Comprehensive diagnosis, recovery planning, and return-to-play protocols for athletes at every level, from youth leagues to professional sports. Care comes from a dual board-certified, fellowship-trained sports neurologist.
Quick answer
Most concussions resolve within 10 to 14 days in adults and up to four weeks in children and teens. Symptoms persisting beyond that window are called persisting symptoms after concussion (formerly post-concussion syndrome) and warrant evaluation by a neurologist. Recovery is individual; graduated return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols guide a safe, stepwise timeline.
Complete Concussion Care, From Sideline to Clearance
Every decision is grounded in the latest neuroscience and guided by measurable outcomes, following current international consensus on concussion in sport.
Vestibular & Oculomotor Assessment
Structured screening of eye movement, balance, and visual symptoms (VOMS) to identify which systems are affected and target rehabilitation accordingly.
Personalized Return-to-Play Protocols
Six-stage graduated protocol tailored to your sport, position, and recovery timeline, never a one-size-fits-all approach.
CTE Risk Counseling & Surveillance
Honest, evidence-based conversations about repetitive head impacts, long-term risk, and when to consider changes in sport participation.
Return-to-Learn Support
Academic accommodations that support brain recovery for student-athletes, coordinated with schools and families.
Post-Concussion Syndrome Treatment
When symptoms persist beyond the typical recovery window, a targeted multidisciplinary plan makes the difference.
How a Concussion Evaluation Works
Concussion is a clinical diagnosis. Most cases don’t require imaging. Here’s what to expect.
History & Symptoms
Mechanism of injury, symptom timeline, prior concussion history, and individual risk factors: the foundation of every clinical decision.
Targeted Neurological Exam
Cognitive, vestibular, oculomotor, and balance testing to map exactly which systems the injury affected.
Personalized Recovery Plan
Graduated symptom-limited activity, school or work accommodations, sleep and headache management, and clear criteria for each return stage.
Concussion Resources & Education
Evidence-based guides for athletes, parents, and coaches, grounded in current consensus and peer-reviewed research.
Return-to-Play Protocol
The six-stage framework used by pro and college programs to get you back safely.
Concussion Recovery Timeline
What to expect week-by-week, from initial injury to full return to sport.
Sideline Concussion Recognition
How coaches, teammates, and parents can spot a concussion on the field.
Return-to-Learn Protocols
Managing school and studying during concussion recovery.
Second-Impact Syndrome
Why a second concussion during incomplete recovery is dangerous.
CTE vs Post-Concussion Syndrome
Understanding the difference and long-term brain health.
Concussion FAQs
Quick answers to the questions patients, parents, and athletes ask after a head injury.
Can I play the same day as my concussion?
No. Current international consensus is clear: any athlete with a suspected concussion must be removed from play immediately and not return the same day. Safe return requires a graduated, medically supervised protocol that takes a minimum of 6 days.
How long until I’m back to full play?
Most concussions resolve in 7 to 14 days with proper management. Some athletes recover in a few days; others with persistent symptoms take several weeks. Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury, your age, prior concussions, and how well you follow the protocol. Younger athletes typically recover more slowly.
Can I train while recovering?
Yes, but gradually and under supervision. The return-to-play protocol starts with symptom-limited activity and progresses through stages: light aerobic exercise, sport-specific drills, non-contact practice, and finally full contact. Each stage requires at least 24 hours without symptom recurrence.
Do I need an MRI or CT scan?
Most concussions don’t require imaging. CT and MRI scans are ordered when there are red-flag symptoms like loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, worsening headache, or seizure. If you have typical concussion symptoms, clinical evaluation is usually sufficient.
What if I get a second concussion before full recovery?
A second concussion during incomplete recovery from the first carries significant risk of prolonged symptoms and potentially serious complications. This is why conservative management and medical clearance before return-to-play are critical. Never rush the timeline.
Will I have long-term problems from a concussion?
Most athletes recover fully from a single concussion with no lasting effects. However, repetitive concussions, especially poorly managed or returned-to-play too quickly, can contribute to prolonged symptoms, mood disorders, and increased risk of neurodegenerative disease. Proper management matters.
Why should I see a specialist?
Most concussions can be managed by primary care, but a sports neurologist brings specialized expertise in athlete-specific recovery, high-stakes return-to-play decisions, and complex cases. For competitive athletes where timing and clearance matter, that expertise is valuable.
How do I know when I’m fully recovered?
Full recovery means: no symptoms at rest, no symptoms during progressively intense activity, normal cognitive function, and medical clearance from a qualified clinician. Don’t judge recovery by how you feel; use the structured return-to-play protocol.
Ready to Get Started?
For individual athlete evaluations through a clinical visit, book through Neura Health. For team-based support and consulting, discuss a team neurologist engagement.