A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects brain function. While it’s no surprise that the risk of concussions worries athletes, coaches and parents, you should know that anyone can experience a head injury that results in a concussion. Whether it’s due to a sport-related, job-related or accidental injury, every time someone takes a blow to the head, a quick evaluation is vital. Without the right care, recovery can be hindered and sufferers can have lasting impacts in thinking and performance.
Providing specialized care for the best outcome, Lake Health offers state-of-the-art concussion care at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Wellness Campus in Mentor.
“The Concussion Clinic was originally created by Lake Health’s sports medicine staff to care for student athletes,” says sports medicine specialist Brian Juriga, DO, “but we provide evaluation and care for anyone with a potential concussion due to head trauma.”
Testing for concussion
The Concussion Clinic staff uses advanced diagnostics including a computerized neurocognitive test that measures brain function, a balance assessment, a visual coordination exam, a full head and neck evaluation, and x-rays or other diagnostic imaging if required. Based on results from all the tests, Dr. Juriga sets up the plan of care.
Treatment and recovery
Recovering from a concussion takes time and requires careful monitoring. Because a large focus of the Concussion Clinic is to treat local middle school, high school and collegiate athletes, the staff partners with schools to ensure that recovering student athletes progress into the learning environment safely and with special accommodations if necessary. When it’s safe to return to athletics, the Concussion Clinic team connects with the in-school athletic trainer to ensure the athlete follows medical standards and reenters the game safely. When recovery is complete, Dr. Juriga provides the clearance required for students by Ohio law.
“It’s our intent to keep kids in school as much as possible and to minimize the impact a concussion has on a child’s future academic and athletic performance,” explains Dr. Juriga. “But we’re just as committed to employees returning to work after an injury, so we work with employers too.”
Concussion Clinic appointments are available from 7 am – 1:15 pm, Monday through Friday at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Wellness Campus in Mentor, 440-833-2010.
Meet the doctor:
Brian Juriga, DO
Specialty: sports medicine
Office: Mentor, 440-833-2010
