Concussions

Concussions can be very serious. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that as many as 3.8 million sports and recreation-related concussions happen each year in the U.S., and that almost 50 percent of these injuries go undiagnosed and untreated, putting the victim at risk for a more severe brain injury.

At the Edward-Elmhurst Health Concussion Clinic, our board certified neurologists will do a thorough assessment to determine if you have a concussion, and if so, to what degree, followed by a personalized treatment plan, if necessary.

To schedule an appointment, call the Edward-Elmhurst Health Concussion Clinic’s offices in Naperville at 630-527-7730, or Warrenville at 630-836-9121.

Learn about the expert care we provide for pediatric concussions.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury resulting from a blow to the head or from having one’s head and neck jarred violently. It isn’t a problem limited to contact sports. A concussion may result from a car accident or something as simple as a child falling off a bike and hitting her head on the sidewalk.

Concussion symptoms

Concussion symptoms can include any of the following:

  • Headaches
  • Amnesia
  • Light-headedness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Blurry vision
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue, feeling slowed down
  • Depression, sadness
  • Sensitivity to noise and light
  • Confusion
  • Irritability
  • Trouble concentrating
  • 1 in 10 people will lose consciousness

Anyone who has the following symptoms after a head injury should seek emergency medical care: loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, lack of coordination, seizures, or symptoms that worsen over time.

Concussion diagnosis

When you come to the Edward-Elmhurst Concussion Clinic, one of our doctors will diagnose a concussion by conducting a physical exam and sometimes a CT scan to rule out bleeding in the brain. We may also perform an EEG test to measure the brain’s electrical activity.

Concussion treatment

The treatment we provide for a concussion begins with an expert assessment of the problem and continues with an individualized prescription for mental and physical rest.

Your doctor’s recommendations about when you may return to sports or other activities are based on the severity of the injury, the duration of symptoms and any history of concussions. With proper treatment, the brain damage that results from a moderate concussion is usually reversible.

Concussion rehabilitation

A concussion is a traumatic injury to the brain that can cause neurometabolic changes in the brain. Our physical therapists and speech therapists create an individualized treatment program to facilitate a faster recovery and safe return to sports/work. Learn more about concussion rehabilitation.

CARS: Concussion, Access, Resource and Support

This group provides support for individuals who have experienced a concussion and their families. Meetings include education and discussion that provides an opportunity for attendees to collaborate by sharing experiences, strategies and concerns as well as offering support to one another. 

Meets the second Wednesday of each month from 7-8 pm at the IMED building, 1331 W. 75th St. in Naperville.

Meetings will be held in the conference room on the main level. Attendees can park in the lot in front of the main entrance. The conference room is located to the left of the elevators. 

For additional information or questions call 630-527-5468 or email Mara.Chiocca@EEHealth.org. 

View meeting schedule

Neurosciences locations