Comprehensive Concussion Evaluation & Treatment for Adults, Teens, and Children

A concussion can happen in an instant, but its effects can last for weeks, months, or even longer if it isn't properly diagnosed and managed.

Whether it happened during a football game, a soccer match, a car accident, a fall, or simply hitting your head around the house, a concussion is much more than "getting your bell rung." It is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that temporarily changes how your brain functions and can affect nearly every aspect of your daily life.

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For some people, symptoms improve within a few weeks. For others, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, memory problems, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, and mood changes linger long after the initial injury.

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If you're still struggling days, weeks, or months after a concussion, you are not alone—and you don't have to simply "wait it out."

At Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates (CSMA), we take a comprehensive neurological approach to concussion care that goes beyond treating symptoms. Because healthy brain function and healthy sleep are closely connected, our specialists evaluate how your concussion is affecting every aspect of your health so you can recover safely, confidently, and completely.

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Founded by Dr. Jerald H. Simmons, a physician who is triple board-certified in Sleep Medicine, Neurology & Psychiatry, and Clinical Neurophysiology, CSMA provides an exceptional level of expertise for patients recovering from concussions and persistent post-concussion symptoms.

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Whether you're an athlete, a parent, a student, or someone simply trying to feel like yourself again, we're here to help.

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What Is a Concussion?

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A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow, bump, jolt, or sudden movement of the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull.

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Despite being called "mild," concussions should never be taken lightly. The injury temporarily disrupts normal brain function and can affect:

• Memory

• Concentration

• Balance

• Vision

• Mood

• Sleep

• Energy levels

• Coordination

• Emotional regulation

One of the biggest misconceptions about concussions is that you have to lose consciousness. You actually don't. In fact, most people diagnosed with a concussion never lose consciousness at all.

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Another common misconception is that a normal CT scan or MRI means nothing is wrong. Because concussions primarily affect how the brain functions, and not necessarily its structure, routine imaging may appear completely normal even when significant symptoms are present.

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Every concussion is different, which is why proper evaluation is so important.

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Common Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

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Concussion symptoms very and can appear immediately or develop gradually over several hours or even days after an injury. Here are some of the more commonly seen symptoms of a concussion:

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1) Physical Symptoms

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Balance problems

• Blurred vision

• Neck pain

• Sensitivity to light

• Sensitivity to noise

• Fatigue

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2) Cognitive Symptoms

• Brain fog

• Difficulty concentrating

• Memory problems

• Feeling mentally slower

• Trouble finding words

• Confusion

• Difficulty making decisions

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3) Emotional Symptoms

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Depression

• Mood swings

• Increased emotional sensitivity

• Frustration

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4) Sleep Symptoms

• Trouble falling asleep

• Sleeping too much

• Sleeping too little

• Waking frequently during the night

• Non-restorative sleep

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

Sleep disturbances are among the most common—and most overlooked—symptoms after a concussion. Unfortunately, poor sleep can also slow the brain's ability to recover.

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Why Sleep Is Critical for Brain Recovery

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One of the most important aspects of concussion recovery is also one of the least understood...Sleep. While you sleep, your brain performs critical maintenance that simply cannot happen while you're awake.

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Healthy sleep helps:

• Repair brain cells

• Strengthen memory

• Reduce inflammation

• Regulate hormones

• Clear metabolic waste

• Improve learning

• Restore energy

• Support emotional regulation

When sleep is disrupted after a concussion, recovery often becomes more difficult. Poor sleep may contribute to:

• Longer-lasting headaches

• Increased fatigue

• Brain fog

• Memory issues

• Mood changes

• Difficulty concentrating

• Slower healing

Because CSMA specializes in both sleep medicine and neurology, we evaluate how sleep may be impacting your recovery and identify underlying sleep disorders that could be delaying your healing.

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When Concussion Symptoms Don't Go Away

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Most people recover within two to four weeks. But not everyone does. Some patients develop Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS), which is sometimes referred to as Post-Concussion Syndrome.

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These symptoms may include:

• Daily headaches

• Chronic fatigue

• Brain fog

• Difficulty concentrating

• Poor memory

• Sleep disturbances

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Dizziness

• Light sensitivity

• Noise sensitivity

If your symptoms continue interfering with work, school, athletics, or daily life, it's time for a more comprehensive evaluation. Recovery shouldn't stop simply because time has passed.

Concussions in Children and Teens

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Children and teenagers experience millions of sports and recreation-related concussions each year. Because their brains are still developing, proper evaluation and treatment are especially important.

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The challenge is that children often don't know how to describe what they're experiencing. Instead of saying they have brain fog, they may simply struggle in school. Instead of saying they're dizzy, they may stop wanting to play sports.

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Parents may notice:

• Increased irritability

• Difficulty paying attention

• Declining grades

• Mood changes

• Changes in sleep habits

• Frequent headaches

• Trouble remembering things

• Fatigue

• Avoiding activities they once enjoyed

Young athletes are particularly vulnerable because returning to sports too soon increases the risk of another concussion before the brain has fully healed.

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At CSMA, we help families understand what to expect during recovery while developing individualized treatment plans that support a safe return to school, sports, and everyday life. Because healthy sleep plays an essential role in brain development, evaluating sleep after a concussion is a critical part of pediatric recovery.

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Sports-Related Concussions

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Athletes often feel pressure to "shake it off" and return to play. Unfortunately, returning too soon can increase the risk of prolonged symptoms and additional injury.

Sports commonly associated with concussions include:

• Football

• Soccer

• Basketball

• Baseball and softball

• Cheerleading

• Hockey

• Lacrosse

• Wrestling

• Gymnastics

• Cycling

Whether you're a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, proper evaluation helps ensure you're truly ready to return safely.

How CSMA Evaluates Concussions

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Every concussion is unique. That's why every evaluation begins with listening. Our specialists take time to understand:

• How the injury occurred

• Current symptoms

• Sleep quality

• Medical history

• Previous concussions

• Work or school challenges

• Athletic participation

• Neurological symptoms

Depending on your symptoms, additional neurological evaluation and diagnostic testing may be recommended. Rather than treating only headaches or fatigue, we work to identify every factor affecting your recovery.

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Why Choose Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates?

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Most concussion clinics focus primarily on the injury. CSMA focuses on the whole person. Our practice understands the complex relationship between the brain and sleep. We were founded by Dr. Jerald H. Simmons, a physician who is triple board-certified in:

• Sleep Medicine

• Neurology & Psychiatry

• Clinical Neurophysiology

Because of this unique expertise, we evaluate patients for:

• Concussions

• Persistent post-concussion symptoms

• Sleep disorders

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Headaches

• Neurological disorders

• Epilepsy and seizure disorders

• Sleep disturbances affecting recovery

This comprehensive approach allows us to identify contributing factors that many traditional concussion clinics may overlook.

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Concussion Myths vs. Facts

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Myth: You have to lose consciousness to have a concussion.

Fact: Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.

Myth: A normal CT scan means you're fine.

Fact: Many concussions don't appear on routine imaging because they affect brain function rather than brain structure.

Myth: You should just "sleep it off."

Fact: While sleep is essential for healing, persistent symptoms should never be ignored. Ongoing headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or cognitive problems deserve expert evaluation.

Myth: Kids bounce back faster than adults.

Fact: Children's brains are still developing. Proper diagnosis and recovery planning are critical to protecting long-term brain health.

Myth: If the headache goes away, the concussion is gone.

Fact: Many concussion symptoms—including sleep problems, memory issues, and concentration difficulties—can continue long after headaches improve.

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Take the First Step Toward Recovery

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If you or someone you love has experienced a concussion and continues to struggle with headaches, dizziness, fatigue, poor sleep, memory problems, or changes in concentration or mood, don't wait for symptoms to resolve on their own. The sooner you receive a comprehensive evaluation, the sooner you can begin the path toward recovery.

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At Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates, our experienced team combines expertise in neurology, sleep medicine, and clinical neurophysiology to provide comprehensive concussion care for adults, teens, and children.

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Whether your injury happened yesterday or months ago, we're here to help you find answers, and move forward with confidence.

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Contact Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates today to schedule your concussion evaluation and begin your recovery with a team that understands the complete picture of brain health. Recover smarter. Heal stronger. Live better.