Concussion Screening Clinic in Newtown, PA

Concussion testing is not just about checking your reflexes; it involves a detailed neurological exam to see how well your brain is functioning after an impact. To accurately diagnose a concussion, healthcare providers rely on a variety of standardized tools to create a personalized assessment, as symptoms vary widely from person to person. Assessments may incorporate components of tests such as:

• Acute Concussion Evaluation (ACE)
• Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5)
• Balance Error Scoring System (BESS)


Note: While a CT scan or MRI cannot diagnose a concussion directly, we can help determine if imaging is necessary to rule out more serious injuries, such as brain bleeding or swelling.

Many patients are surprised to learn that standard emergency room imaging such as a CT scan or an MRIcannot diagnose a concussion. This is because a concussion is a functional injury, not a structural one.
While a CT scan is highly effective at ruling out severe, life-threatening structural issues like brain bleeding or skull fractures, it cannot show how the brain’s neural pathways are actually firing. To accurately diagnose a concussion, healthcare providers must evaluate the function of the brain through a detailed neurological exam rather than relying on imaging alone.

The timeline of a concussion can be deceptive. While some symptoms manifest immediately after the injury, it is incredibly common for signs to develop gradually over a few hours or even days. This delayed onset makes concussions tricky to recognize right away.

• Immediate Warning Signs: Confusion, dizziness, nausea, or a headache right after the physical impact.

• Delayed Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, new-onset irritability, light or noise sensitivity, and sleep disturbances that become apparent in the days following the event.

If you or someone you know has sustained a head injury even if the impact seemed minor at the time it is crucial to monitor for these changes and seek medical attention if they surface.

In the moments following a head injury, it is wise to take it easy. Avoid any activities that could worsen your symptoms, such as physical activity or tasks that require intense concentration. After a concussion, early intervention ensures your symptoms are managed effectively and reduces the risk of complications. Once a concussion is confirmed, your customized treatment plan will likely include strict rest and a plan for gradually resuming your daily activities under medical supervision.

In the crucial moments following a head or neck injury, prioritizing your physical safety is the most important step. If you suspect a concussion, you should immediately cease physical activity.

Attempting to “tough it out” or push through a head injury can dangerously exacerbate symptoms. Take it easy and avoid any activities that could strain your brain, including tasks that require intense mental concentration or prolonged screen time. Seeking a prompt medical evaluation ensures that your symptoms are documented and managed effectively, reducing the risk of long-term complications.

A concussion test is a tool used by healthcare professionals to assess whether a patient has suffered a concussion. These tests are designed to evaluate various aspects of brain function, such as memory, attention, and concentration, to detect signs of injury that might not be immediately obvious.
Concussion screenings typically involve a series of assessments. They also evaluate physical symptoms like balance, coordination, and reflexes, as well as emotional stability, checking for any mood changes or unusual behavior. The primary goal of a concussion test is to determine the presence and severity of the head injury as well as guide the subsequent treatment plan.
 
After a concussion, a prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential, as it ensures your symptoms are managed effectively and reduces the risk of complications. If a concussion is confirmed, your doctor’s recommendations will likely include rest and gradually resuming activities under medical supervision.

Our Concussion Screening services are inspired by the mission and values of the Primary Prevention Center, focusing on early detection and proactive care for a healthier future.

The medical approach to concussions has evolved. After a concussion is confirmed, your customized treatment plan will focus on active, guided recovery rather than simply locking yourself in a dark room. Your doctor’s recommendations will likely include an initial period of cognitive and physical rest, followed by a plan for gradually and safely resuming your daily activities, schoolwork, and physical exertion under medical supervision.

How long after a head injury should an athlete be evaluated?

Ideally within 24 to 48 hours. While immediate emergency medical care (ER) is required for red-flag symptoms such as loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, or unequal pupil size, our clinic provides the in-depth functional assessment required to direct day-to-day recovery.

How long does a concussion screening appointment take?

A baseline screening takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. An acute post-injury evaluation typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes to allow time for neurocognitive testing, vestibular screening, and the formulation of a customized recovery plan.

What is the difference between a baseline test and a post-injury test?

A baseline test records your brain’s healthy baseline performance before any injury occurs. A post-injury test evaluates the brain after trauma to quantify exact cognitive, vestibular, or balance deficits relative to that baseline.

When a patient arrives at the Primary Prevention Center following a potential concussion, Michael Como provides a prompt, in-depth neurocognitive and symptom evaluation. We go beyond simple observation. By utilizing standardized screening tools, we gather immediate, objective data to accurately gauge the severity of the head injury. During your assessment, our team will carefully evaluate:

 • Cognitive Function: Memory, attention, and concentration.
 • Physical Indicators: Balance, coordination, and how your pupils react to light.
 • Subjective Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea.
 • Emotional & Behavioral Changes: Checking for mood changes, irritability, or unusual behavior.

Location: 638 Newtown-Yardley Road Suite 2G/H, Newtown, PA 18940.
Hours: Mon, Tue & Thu: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Wed: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Fri: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sat: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Sun: Closed.

Service Area: Newtown PA, Yardley, Richboro PA, Langhorne PA, Washington Crossing PA, and Greater Bucks County PA and surrounding areas.