Testing to diagnose a concussion

Shelton, Conn. (WTNH) - So let's say you get a head injury. Now what? You need to get tested, and it's important to find a doctor who knows how to do an extensive evaluation.

"The evaluations in concussions have changed in the last 10 years," said Dr. Karen Laugel , a head injury specialist at Pedi-Care Pediatrics in Shelton.

Doctors at Pedi-Care say they've become experts in diagnosing and then treating concussions. It starts with a three part evaluation. The first part; taking an extensive history, asking questions like...

"What happens when you move your head fast, what happens when you roll out of bed and stand up, what happens when you look up in the shower? How about noise; does that bother you, does light bother you, and so on," said Dr. Laugel said. "A very specific history.

"The second part is a nuero-vestibular exam. So you're checking their balance. You're checking their ability to focus at a specific distance. You're checking their reflexes, their cranial nerves, what their eye movements are, what's their gaze, stability. Can they balance on a pad on the floor.

The third part is a neuro-cognitive test.

"That's a computer test that actually tests their reaction time, their eye hand coordination, and their memory skills," Dr. Laudel said.

Once a concussion is diagnosed, rest is imperative.

"It's like a snow globe, everything scatters," she said. "You need time for that all to settle down."

It's different for each patient, an individual set of guidelines for each child.

"We may have to tailor school at first," Dr. Laugel said. "If a child has noise sensitivity, can't walk down the hallway with slamming lockers. They may not be able to tolerate eating lunch in the lunchroom. They may be able to go to English class, but they may have trouble with the class that uses the smartboard."

If the symptoms last for several weeks medication can be used, but the important thing is to monitor it closely so there is no long term damage.