Comprehensive Concussion Care
What is a Concussion?
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms can occur immediately after a concussion, or may take days to appear:
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- Headache or “pressure in the head”
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Concentration/memory problems
- Answers questions slowly
- Confused, sluggish, hazy, foggy
- Mood, behavior, or personality changes
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Possible Emergency Signs & Symptoms
Sometimes, concussions can occur with more serious injuries that require immediate medical care. Please go to the emergency room if you or your child are experiencing:
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- Increased drowsiness or cannot be awakened
- Headache that worsens and does not go away with rest
- Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- Increasing confusion, restlessness, agitation or unusual behavior
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Convulsions or seizures
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Cornerstones of Concussion Recovery
Gradual Return to Activity
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- Balanced Approach: Avoid both overexertion and complete inactivity. Gradually resume physical and cognitive activities under the guidance of a concussion specialist.
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Avoiding Further Injury
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- Safety First: Preventing a second injury is crucial. Further injury to the brain can delay recovery.
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Physical Activity
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- Personalized Plan: Gradual reintroduction to physical activity aids recovery. Initially, taking walks can be beneficial. After visiting our concussion clinic, a tailored plan will be developed based on your recovery stage.
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Stress Management
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- Reduce Stress: Managing stress is vital as it can worsen symptoms. We assist with prioritizing tasks and provide accommodations at school or work to help you stay on track.
- Reduce Stress: Managing stress is vital as it can worsen symptoms. We assist with prioritizing tasks and provide accommodations at school or work to help you stay on track.
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Sleep
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- Healthy Sleep Habits: Quality sleep is essential for healing. Maintain a strict sleep schedule, avoid daytime naps, and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep. Practice good sleep hygiene by minimizing electronics and keeping a cool room temperature.
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Nutrition & Hydration
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- Balanced Diet: Eat 3 healthy meals or 5 small meals daily. Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. Aim to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water daily, and increase water intake as physical activity increases.
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Our Approach
Concussion Evaluation
Neurocognitive testing
Vestibular/ocularmotor screening
Individualized concussion treatment
Customized treatment plans
Individualized care plans tailored to your specific needs
Referrals when needed including physical therapy, neurology, vision therapy, behavioral health, and other experts
Home exercises to expedite your recovery based on your constellation of symptoms
Personalized paperwork for plans to return to school, work, and sport
Ongoing Support and Monitoring
Follow-up visit(s) to track progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
The number of visits will depend on the nature of your injury and adherence to your recommended treatment plan
Meet the Concussion Specialist
Alison Datoc, Ph.D
Clinical Neuropsychologist and Concussion Specialist
Dr. Alison Datoc is a neuropsychologist with subspecialty training in concussion treatment and management. She earned her doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University in Clinical Psychology and completed her postdoctoral fellowship in sports neuropsychology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center/Children’s Health Andrews Institute.
She has worked with thousands of patients with concussions immediately after their injury on the sidelines of sporting events, and within days to weeks of their injury in the office or through virtual evaluations. Her research interests include factors that influence recovery from concussion and later-in-life brain health in athletes.
Dr. Alison Datoc is a neuropsychologist with subspecialty training in concussion treatment and management. She earned her doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University in Clinical Psychology and completed her postdoctoral fellowship in sports neuropsychology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center/Children’s Health Andrews Institute.
She has worked with thousands of patients with concussions immediately after their injury on the sidelines of sporting events, and within days to weeks of their injury in the office or through virtual evaluations. Her research interests include factors that influence recovery from concussion and later-in-life brain health in athletes.
Locations
Littleton
7720 S Broadway
Suite 300
Littleton, CO 80122
Boulder
3000 Center Green Dr
Suite 230
Boulder, CO 80301
In-Home Testing
Our doctors currently offer in-home testing across the state of Colorado.
Schedule An Appointment Today!
In-person or virtual visit available