While concussions among professional athletes often make headlines, falls, accidents and other mishaps affecting everyday people happen all the time. And when severe symptoms persist after a concussion, it can turn their lives upside down. Kouros Emami, PsyD, a clinical and sports neuropsychologist at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City, has seen patients who suffered for months or even years with ongoing symptoms. Persistent issues can include headaches, sensitivity to light and noise, vestibular problems causing dizziness or balance issues, vision problems, fatigue, mood changes, sleep disturbances and the inability to concentrate.
Dr. Emami, whose practice is dedicated to the assessment, clinical management and treatment of both sports and non-sports related concussions, says persistent post-concussion symptoms can take a terrible toll on people’s lives. “These are symptoms that continue beyond the expected time frame for recovery,” he explains. “We have seen patients forced to withdraw from social interactions for years because they found it too difficult to socialize. They had difficulties with basic activities such as working, exercising, falling asleep and even going to the grocery store.”
Dr. Emami seeks to send a message to people with the condition, even if they have lost hope: Don’t give up. “I tell everyone who comes in here, whether you were injured yesterday or five years ago, we can help you, and you will have the best chance to regain your quality of life,” he says.
Under the care of Dr. Emami, a physical therapist, and other specialists as needed, patients receive a highly personalized treatment plan that incorporates gradual exposure to external stimuli that cause distress, such as noise, to help individuals become less sensitive to the effects. Dr. Emami notes that it isn’t always easy for patients, but it has been shown to work. Physical therapy is an integral part of treatment and generally includes a personalized exercise regime. Patients may also receive vestibular rehabilitation, psychological counseling, and other therapies to meet their needs.
Treatment effectiveness is reflected in the many patient stories posted on the HSS Back in the Game website and in Google reviews. Kate Dvorkin, who traveled to HSS from New Paltz, NY, wrote about her recovery on Back in the Game after suffering with persistent post-concussion symptoms for more than three years.
Another patient, 39-year-old Paula Rosine Long is eager to share her story in hopes of helping others. The Long Island City resident hit her head after a bad fall during a work trip, and it had a profound impact on her life. She believes her brain eventually managed to compensate for difficulties she faced in working and concentrating, as well as discomfort in social interactions and vision problems, but she felt like she was functioning “at 60 percent.” Paula says it was only after she completed her treatment at HSS, which included six weeks of physical therapy, that she finally felt like herself again.
“Throughout the entire process, everything was very specifically tailored to my case,” Paula explains. “I was impressed by how Dr. Emami took the time to listen at length and gather all the details when I saw him. It wasn’t one-size-fits-all. Hannah, my physical therapist, conducted a very detailed analysis of my progress every time I saw her and tailored my physical therapy accordingly.”
Paula adds that she appreciates the “holistic” care that HSS provided. “They took everything into account—sleep, diet, exercise, mood, pain, movement, vision, balance—and worked with me to get everything back on track,” she explains.
“We believe persistent post-concussion symptoms are fully treatable,” Dr. Emami says. “With the right support and expertise, my expectation is that nearly all patients will make a full recovery.” For information at about the Concussion Program at HSS,