A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Accordingly, it is an injury that you need to take seriously and that you need to get the right treatment for after a car crash or another type of accident.
Over the past several years, new studies about concussions and concussion treatments have been making the news. There is a growing awareness about this type of head injury and according to Stat, the treatment of concussions is “big business.”
But Not All Providers Are the Same
In December 2015, Stat released an article warning people with concussions and their caretakers that concussion clinics are opening around the country and that some of these clinics are staffed by people without expertise in brain trauma. Instead of being staffed with neurologists, neuropsychologists, or other doctors trained in treating brain injuries, some of these concussion clinics are reportedly staffed by orthopedists, dermatologists, chiropractors, and physical therapists. Furthermore, the directors of some of these clinics are marketing themselves as credentialed concussion management specialists. This may be misleading because the credential comes from a private company and not a medical association or board. However, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology recently started a program to certify doctors to treat brain injuries.
See the Right Doctors If You’ve Been Hurt
While the credentials of the staff at some concussion clinics are troubling, there are legitimate concussion clinics around the country that are staffed with doctors who can help a concussion victim.
If you or a loved one have been hurt, then it is important to consider a doctor’s…
- Experience treating people with concussions.
- Medical specialty. It is important to see a doctor such as neurologist, neurosurgeon, or neuropsychologist depending on your specific injury. Emergency room doctors or your primary care doctor should help you direct you to the right doctor for your injury.
Your health is too important to compromise. Accordingly, we encourage you to seek the medical attention that you deserve. Right now, your primary concern should be getting better, and finding the right doctors to treat your injury is an important first step.
