Affiliated with AdventHealth and Littleton Adventist Hospital

Call us: (720) 242-7533

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Comprehensive Concussion Care

Proudly serving the Denver Metro Area and Boulder, Colorado

At Horizon Neuropsychological Services, we recognize that every concussion is unique. We provide personalized care for individuals of all ages to ensure the best possible recovery outcomes for each patient. With treatment informed by the latest research, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way during an active recovery process to get you back to the activities you love.

Our concussion services help you:

  • Return to school with accommodations, if needed
  • Get back to work in a timely manner
  • Safely return to physical activity and sports

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that results from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a powerful force applied to another area of the body that causes the brain to move quickly back and forth. Loss of consciousness is not required to be diagnosed with a concussion.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms can occur immediately after a concussion, or may take days to appear:

      • 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

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:

      • 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

Cornerstones of Concussion Recovery

Gradual Return to Activity

      • Balanced Approach: Avoid both overexertion and complete inactivity. Gradually resume physical and cognitive activities under the guidance of a concussion specialist.

Avoiding Further Injury

      • Safety First: Preventing a second injury is crucial. Further injury to the brain can delay recovery.

Physical Activity

      • 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.

Stress Management

      • 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.

Sleep

      • 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.

Nutrition & Hydration

      • 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.

Why Choose Us

  • ✓ Dr. Datoc is a fellowship trained sports neuropsychologist with extensive experience working with patients and athletes of all ages, including those in the youth, collegiate, amateur, and professional levels.
  • ✓ In accordance with the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) bylaws, Dr. Datoc is an approved licensed health care provider who can initiate the return-to-play process for student athletes after a concussion, and ultimately provide medical clearance when the athlete is healed.
  • ✓ Research shows that earlier access to specialized care leads to faster recovery and lower costs. We are committed to seeing patients as soon as possible after their injury.
  • ✓ We offer telemedicine visits for most patients to make specialty care more accessible. This helps reduce barriers like transportation and distance, providing convenient care for patients, including those who are traveling.

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.

(720) 242-7533

(720) 815-2613

Schedule An Appointment Today!

In-person or virtual visit available