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Concussion

Carolina Functional Neurology Center helps people recover from concussions and persistent post-concussive symptoms using targeted, personalized neurological rehabilitation.

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A concussion is more than a hit to the head — it’s a mild traumatic brain injury that temporarily disrupts how your brain processes information and controls your body.

 

They can significantly affect balance, vision, thinking and focus, mood and emotions, sleep, energy levels, heart rate, autonomic function and more.

 

Your persistent post-concussive symptoms are real. And with the right care, your brain can heal.

What is a Concussion?

You do not have to hit your head to sustain a concussion. A concussion results from movement of the brain inside the skull. The brain is not fixated in the skull but floating in cerebrospinal fluid. When a concussion is sustained the brain is shaken inside the skull, there can be impact between the brain and the skull itself, as well as twisting of the neck and brainstem. Both of these scenarios can cause a concussion, as well as a traumatic brain injury. When left untreated, a person is at a greater risk for developing persistent post-concussive symptoms.

Concussion symptoms fall into four major categories:

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  • Somatic: headache, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, visual disturbances, dizziness, sensitivity to light, sound or smell

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  • Emotional: depression, changes in personality, nervousness, anxiety, irritability

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  • Sleep Disturbance: changes in sleep patterns, sleeping more or less than usual, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, insomnia

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  • Cognitive: difficulty concentrating, making decisions, carry out to-do lists, slowness in processing and speech, brain fog

Concussion Diagnostics

Our doctors are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions) and post-concussion syndrome. We will take a close look at all areas of brain function in order to pinpoint the areas of dysfunction that are specific to your brain. In order to obtain the most accurate information about your brain function we use neurodiagnostics to measure balance, coordination, eye movements, timing and rhythm, cognitive function, and more.

Diagnostic Testing for Concussion​

  • Neurological Examination
  • Vestibular Examination
  • Computerized Dynamic Posturography

  • Videonystagmography

  • Video-oculography

  • Autonomics Evaluation

I suffered one of the worst head injuries I have ever had. I knew something was really wrong and honestly I was a little nervous. I called and made an appointment with Dr. Brindisi after I started to experience some nerve-racking symptoms (mild slurring, word replacement, poor balance, and extreme fatigue). Dr. Brindisi was professional, friendly and made me feel confident that everything would be fine. Right after the very first appointment, which included a mild adjustment, hand eye exercises and muscle stimulation, I felt significantly better. I went 5 days in a row the first week, 3 days the second and third week and now I’m down to one day a week. All my symptoms are gone, I feel reenergized and my ability to concentrate is much better. Thank you for all your help and your continued support.

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- Jared

Concussion Treatment

Treatment for concussions is designed on an individualized basis. No two brains and concussions are the same, therefore no two treatment plans are the same. Our doctors work one-on-one with each patient to provide thorough treatment and continual monitoring of symptoms from visit to visit. Common treatment modalities include neuromodulation, eye movement therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, near infrared light, neurosensory and motor integration tools, cognitive therapies, interactive metronome therapy, and more.

Common Treatment Methods for Concussion​

  • Eye Movement Therapy
  • Neuromodulation
  • Balance exercises
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • Memory and Cognitive Tasks
  • Individualized Supplementation
  • Interactive Metronome Therapy
  • Neurosensory Integration
  • Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
  • Tilt Table Therapy
  • Red Light Therapy
Post-Concussion Syndrome Patient Interview with Cameron | What Did The Patient Say? | Episode 56
Pediatric Concussions | What Did The Patient Say? | Episode 28
Concussion Recovery | What Did The Patient Say? | Episode 6
Chronic Symptoms After a Brain Injury
Post-Concussion Sleep and Energy
Pediatric Concussions | What Did The Patient Say? | Episode 28
Dysautonomia After a Concussion?
Post Concussion Syndrome Patient Interview With Neel | What Did The Patient Say? | Episode 35

Concussion Videos

Concussion Care for Athletes

At CFNC, we understand the unique demands placed on athletes recovering from a concussion — especially the pressure to return to play safely, confidently, and as quickly as possible. Our doctors perform a detailed functional neurological evaluation to identify exactly which systems were affected, ensuring every athlete receives a rehabilitation plan tailored to their sport, position, and performance goals.

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We focus on restoring efficient brain-body communication through targeted vestibular, visual, balance, and cognitive rehabilitation. By strengthening the specific pathways impacted by the concussion, we help athletes recover more completely, reduce lingering symptoms, and support a safe return to training and competition. Our goal is to help athletes quickly regain the precision, coordination, and speed their sport demands.

 

Our concussion treatment program is extremely in-depth and ensures that your brain is fully healed — not just feeling better. Many athletes may appear symptom-free while their brain is still recovering beneath the surface. We make sure your brain and nervous system are performing optimally so your risk of future concussions does not increase, lingering issues do not return, and your performance continues to elevate long after treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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