[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”22812″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Head injuries are nothing to take lightly. That’s why Marque Urgent Care is here to help. We’ve seen thousands of patients through our community-based concussion management program, HeadStrong. HeadStrong provides patients immediate access to innovative head-injury medical technology and resources right in your neighborhood. Our clinics have the BrainScope® One head-injury assessment device – a FDA-cleared tool that screens and detects the full spectrum of a head injury. If you or a loved one is suspected of a head injury, including concussions, visit a Marque Urgent Care clinic to be evaluated.
The BrainScope® One device lets us objectively assess the full spectrum of a brain injury, including concussions. It measures and interprets your brain electrical activity and neurocognitive function—right at the clinic. It’s the future of assessing brain injuries and unlike anything else available today.
BrainScope® One was commissioned by the U.S. Department of Defense, Johns Hopkins, and the NYU School of Medicine and was the winner of the NFL/GE Head Health Challenge.
FDA-cleared
Radiation free
Accurate and objective
Non-invasive
Fast and efficient
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”22768″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”70px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”70px”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlI5mhV7udk” align=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Patients who have received a mild head injury within the last three days can use the device. After an assessment with a Marque Urgent Care provider, a disposable BrainScope® One headset is placed on the patient’s head. Lasting 20 minutes or less on average, an initial EEG is performed followed by two neurocognitive function tests using a portable screen. All activity is monitored and analyzed by a provider to determine the answers to two critical questions:
Is it likely that there is a structural brain injury that would be visible on a CT scan?
Is there evidence of functional abnormality that would indicate a concussion?
From these answers, we will determine what type of treatment is needed, if further tests are required, or if the patient should be referred to a specialist.
Unlike CT (computerized tomography) scans, which detect brain bleeds, a BrainScope® One assessment generates objective data that helps clinicians determine the need for a CT scan and the presence of a concussion. By monitoring brain electrical activity and neurocognitive function, BrainScope® One produces no ionizing radiation, which reduces the risk of being exposed to unnecessary radiation that can come from a CT scan.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”70px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What is a Concussion?
Concussions are most often caused by blows or jolts to the head which usually result in temporary disorientation, short-term memory loss and in serious cases can leave permanent brain damage. They are typically not life-threatening, but the effects of a concussion can be very serious. When the brain is jolted or impacted, it causes the brain to twist and bounce in the skull. This can lead to stretched and damaged brain cells, severe brain swelling and chemical changes that could interfere with nerve communication. A concussion can happen to anyone, which is why it’s important to understand the precautions, protocols and appropriate actions to take when in a situation involving a brain injury. Signs and symptoms of a concussion typically show up soon after the injury occurs. However, at first some people may not know how serious their injury can be since some symptoms may not occur for some hours or days. Rest is important after a concussion because it allows the brain to heal. Continuing rigorous physical or mental activity such as sports, studying, heavy concentration or playing video games may worsen symptoms including headaches and tiredness. After a concussion, mental and physical activity – such as learning and concentration – should be monitored by a medical provider or doctor. It takes time to get back into a normal routine after a concussion and with the help of an experienced medical program and doctor; you’ll recover faster and safer.
Leading Causes of Concussions
Falls
Playing sports
Unintentionally being struck by or against an obstacle
Motor vehicle-related injury
Assaults
What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion?
Thinking Problems
Does not know time, date, place
General confusion
Cannot remember things that happened before and after the injury
Knocked out
Athlete’s Complaints
Headache
Dizziness
Feels dazed
Feels “dinged” or stunned; “having my bell rung”
Sees stars, flashing lights
Ringing in the ears
Sleepiness
Loss of vision
Sees double or blurry
Stomachache, stomach pain, nausea
Other Problems
Poor coordination or balance
Blank stare/glassy eyed
Vomiting
Slurred speech
Slow to answer questions or follow directions
Easily distracted
Poor concentration
Strange or inappropriate emotions (ie. laughing, crying, getting mad easily)
Not playing as well
How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Concussion?
Most concussions get better with rest and over 90% of athletes fully recover. However, all concussions should be considered serious. If not recognized and managed the right way, they may result in problems including brain damage and even death.
Most concussions occur without being knocked out. Signs and symptoms of concussion (see back of this page) may show up right after the injury or can take hours to appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion or if you notice some symptoms and signs, seek medical evaluation from your team’s athletic trainer and a Marque HeadStrong physician or medical doctor trained in the evaluation and management of concussion. If your child is vomiting, has a severe headache, or is having difficulty staying awake or answering simple questions, call 911 or take him or her immediately to the emergency department of your local hospital.
What Can Happen if Someone Keeps Playing with Concussion Symptoms or Returns Too Soon to Sports After Suffering a Concussion?
Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. There is NO same day return to play for a youth with a suspected concussion. Youth athletes may take more time to recover from concussion and are more prone to long-term serious problems from a concussion.
Even though a traditional brain scan (e.g., MRI or CT) may be “normal”, the brain has still been injured. Research studies show that a second blow before the brain has recovered can result in serious damage to the brain. If you or an athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one, this can lead to prolonged recovery (weeks to months), or even to severe brain swelling (Second Impact Syndrome) with devastating consequences.
There is an increasing concern that head impact exposure and recurrent concussions may contribute to long-term neurological problems. One goal of this concussion program is to prevent a too early return to play so that serious brain damage can be prevented.
Treatment of a Concussion
A person with a single, isolated concussion generally has a very good recovery outcome with few short and long-term effects. However, people who have had multiple concussions may not only suffer from short term effects, but are more at risk of causing permanent brain damage. Concussions are known to be cumulative; meaning each time someone has a concussion your brain is more susceptible to getting another one in the future. This is why it’s important to treat a concussion thoroughly and to do all necessary protocols and precautions before returning to a normal routine. Rest is the best way to recover from a concussion. Once a person suffers a brain injury, you need to rest your body and brain in order for it to heal.
Returning to learn or play too early can cause the brain to not make a full recovery. This can lead to severe headaches, nausea and a higher chance of getting permanent damage such as memory loss. Avoiding alcohol, drugs and activities that are both physically and mentally demanding are necessary when recovering from a concussion. So, how can you reduce your chances of getting a concussion? Make sure to wear your seat belt every time you’re in a car and to always wear a helmet and safety equipment while playing sports, driving a motorcycle or other activities where you could injure yourself. Concussions are a serious injury that people of all ages can get. Consult with a Marque HeadStrong physician if you think you or someone you know may have suffered a concussion, for they are able to provide a roadmap to a safe recovery.
What to Expect from a Marque Visit?
Education for the family and the patient.
Establishment of a pattern of follow up care that helps the patient return to school, work, and physical activity.
Documents that can be shared with specialists, athletic trainers, coaches, teachers, employers,
and other important people in the patient’s life.
Care plans for school, sports, and work.
Completed return to learn and play forms will be sent to the patient’s care provider, the school, and sports organizations.
Upon discharge, a detailed discharge summary will be given to all interested parties.
