Comprehensive Concussion Care at Core Sports Medicine

Concussion Treatment for Sports-Related Injuries

Sports-related concussions are serious injuries that require proper diagnosis, treatment, and management to ensure a full recovery. At CORE in Princeton Junction, NJ, we specialize in concussion treatment for athletes of all levels, from youth sports participants to professional competitors. Our goal is to help you safely return to play while minimizing long-term effects.

What Is a Sports-Related Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden impact or jolt to the head. It affects brain function, leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and sensitivity to light and sound. Even mild concussions require proper medical evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications.

Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion

  • Concussions can present with a variety of symptoms that may appear immediately or develop hours or even days after the injury. Common signs include:

    • Headache or pressure in the head
    • Dizziness and balance issues
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Blurred vision or sensitivity to light/noise
    • Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
    • Feeling sluggish or fatigued
    • Mood changes such as irritability, depression, or anxiety
    • Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep or excessive drowsiness

    It is crucial to monitor symptoms closely after a head injury. If you or your child experience any of these symptoms after a sports-related impact, seek professional evaluation immediately to avoid potential long-term consequences.

Our Concussion Treatment Approach

  • At CORE, we follow a structured and evidence-based approach to concussion management to ensure the safest and most effective recovery process:

    1. Comprehensive Evaluation: We conduct a thorough neurological assessment, which may include balance testing, cognitive assessments, and symptom monitoring to determine the severity of the concussion.
    2. Cognitive & Physical Rest: Initial treatment involves limiting physical activity and cognitive exertion (such as screen time and studying) to allow the brain to heal properly.
    3. Symptom Management: We provide targeted therapies for headache relief.
    4. Gradual Return-to-Play Protocol: We implement a structured step-by-step return-to-sport program, ensuring that athletes do not return too soon and risk further injury. This process includes monitored light exercise, sport-specific drills, and full-contact practice before final clearance.
    5. Ongoing Monitoring: We track progress with follow-up assessments to prevent complications and reduce the risk of repeated concussions. For athletes with a history of concussions, we develop personalized strategies for safer play.

Advanced Concussion Management

At CORE, we refer our clients to our trusted partners that use the latest tools and technologies to enhance concussion diagnosis and treatment. This includes:

  • Baseline Testing: Pre-season assessments that help compare post-injury function and determine recovery progress.
  • Vestibular Therapy: Specialized rehabilitation for athletes experiencing dizziness, balance issues, and coordination difficulties.
  • Cognitive Therapy: Strategies to address attention, memory, and concentration deficits caused by concussions.
  • Nutritional Support: Guidance on anti-inflammatory diets and hydration to promote brain healing.

Why Choose CORE for Concussion Care?

  • Expert Sports Medicine Team: Our specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating sports-related concussions.
  • Personalized Recovery Plans: Each athlete receives a tailored treatment plan based on their symptoms, sport, and long-term health goals.
  • Cutting-Edge Techniques: We incorporate advanced neurological testing and rehabilitation strategies to promote optimal brain healing.
  • Emphasis on Safety: We prioritize your long-term well-being, ensuring that you return to sports only when it is completely safe.

    Conditions We Take Care Of

    What is a sports medicine physician?

    A sports medicine physician is a fellowship trained physician who specializes in the non-operative treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. As the vast majority of these injuries do not require surgery, sports medicine physicians can help diagnose your condition, guide your treatment, perform procedures to optimize recovery and refer to other providers and practitioners when appropriate. Whether it’s an acute injury like a sprained ankle or a pulled muscle, an issue you’ve had for a while like shoulder tendonitis or arthritis, or you simply do not know where to begin, we, as sports medicine physicians, are here to help you!

    Do I need to be an athlete to see a sports medicine doctor?

    No, you do not need to be an athlete to see a sports medicine doctor. We take care of musculoskeletal conditions in patients of all ages and activity levels, from elite athletes and weekend warriors to those who are looking to stay active or become more active.

    What is a lifestyle medicine physician?

    Lifestyle medicine physicians are board certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and are trained to utilize evidence-based therapeutic lifestyle interventions in the treatment and prevention of chronic disease. A prescriptive and individualized approach, guided by the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine (plant-predominant eating pattern, physical activity, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, social connections, and sleep management) helps patients in achieving a healthier lifestyle.

    How does lifestyle medicine fit into sports medicine?

    Lifestyle medicine focuses on preventing and managing chronic diseases through healthy habits, such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep. It integrates exceptionally well with sports medicine by promoting overall well-being and optimizing physical performance.

    Can I use my insurance for office visits?

    In order to remove barriers and improve the quality of healthcare for our patients, CORE Sports Medicine & Lifestyle Medicine does not accept insurance. We have a policy of transparent pricing for our services and you will never receive a surprise bill from our office. We accept payment for your visit at the time of service and will provide you with an itemized receipt which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have out of network benefits. You can check with your insurance company prior to your visit to better understand your out of network benefits.