Concussion clinic at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital expands services and treatments

Getting Our Head in the Game

The concussion clinic at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital has widened its services and treatments to include comprehensive assessment, testing and treatment of concussion in individuals 5 years of age and older.

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital has recently expanded its concussion program. “The clinic is a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach for the assessment and management of concussion in individuals 5 years of age and older,” says Stephanie Larson, PT, DPT, Outpatient Clinical Coordinator for Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. “With the addition of a physician and advanced practice providers trained in acute concussion evaluation and management, we can support and guide a patient’s safe return to school, work, play and life.”

Patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation by a physical therapist (PT) and a physician or advanced practice provider when they come in with possible concussions. Together, the PT and medical provider complete a detailed assessment of motor function, vision, balance and coordination.

They then establish a treatment plan to support and facilitate recovery.  Prolonged recovery can be further managed through an extended team, which includes occupational therapists, speech language pathologists and a neuropsychologist.

Normally, someone with a concussion may go to the emergency room, but after he or she is treated, there is not clear guidance on how to transition back to normal life in a safe way. He or she may experience longer-lasting issues such as balance disorders, light sensitivity or vestibular problems that aren’t addressed by an ER visit. Inova Mount Vernon Hospital’s new concussion clinic exists to fill that gap.

In addition to treating concussions, the clinic can also do baseline tests for young athletes who are at risk for concussion — for example, players of contact sports — so that when an impact that could cause concussion occurs, there is data for comparison.

Contact the Inova Mount Vernon concussion clinic

Contact Inova Mount Vernon Hospital at 703.664.7190 if you are interested in baseline testing for a concussion for yourself or your children.

Click to see all of Inova’s concussion treatment locations in Northern Virginia >