Concussion and Brain Injury Care in Inwood, NY
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head or body, such as from a fall, a sports hit or a car accident. You do not have to black out to have one. Our medical director, Dr. David Steiner, led one of New York City's few Traumatic Brain Injury Units as Chief of Neurology at Peninsula Hospital Center.
Symptoms we evaluate
We evaluate concussion, traumatic brain injury and whiplash. Symptoms can show up right away or over the next few days, and may include:
- Headaches that started after the injury
- Dizziness or trouble with balance
- Trouble concentrating, remembering or thinking clearly
- Neck pain or stiffness after whiplash
- Sensitivity to light or noise, or blurred vision
- Changes in sleep, mood or patience
- Feeling slowed down, foggy or tired
How we find the cause
We take a careful history of the injury and do a full neurological exam. Testing is chosen based on your symptoms. Read about each test on our Tests We Do page.
- CNS Vital Signs: a computerized test of memory, attention and thinking that takes about 45 minutes and is available in multiple languages.
- EEG: records brain waves to look for abnormal activity, such as seizures, after an injury.
- VNG balance testing: used when dizziness or imbalance continues after the injury.
- EMG/NCV: used when numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs suggests a pinched nerve after whiplash.
- Open MRI: imaging of the brain or neck through Village Open MRI, a division of our practice, when needed.
Your care plan
Most people recover from a concussion within days to weeks, but some have symptoms that last longer. Your plan may include guidance on rest and a gradual return to activity, care for headaches and pain, attention to sleep, and follow-up visits to track your recovery.
Headache and pain management are among our specialties, and we coordinate with your other doctors.
After a car, work or slip-and-fall accident
If your injury came from a work accident, a car accident or a slip and fall, tell us when you book, because it affects how your visit is covered. We accept No-Fault and Workers' Compensation, and we also provide medical-legal evaluations.
When to see a neurologist
After a head injury, call 911 for a seizure, passing out, repeated vomiting, a headache that keeps getting worse, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, or growing confusion or drowsiness.
Book a visit with a neurologist if:
- Symptoms are not getting better, or are getting worse
- Focus or memory problems are affecting work or school
- Headaches, dizziness or neck pain continue after whiplash
- You have had more than one concussion
- You need an evaluation after a work, car or slip-and-fall accident
Insurance
We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, as well as No-Fault and Workers' Compensation. Please see the plans we take, or call us to confirm your coverage.
Other conditions we treat
Visit Five Towns Neurology
Our office is at 233 Doughty Blvd, Inwood, NY 11096, on the South Shore of Long Island. Call (516) 239-1800. Hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm. We are closed on Saturday.
Allow at least 3 hours for your first visit. It includes a full history and physical exam, and testing is usually done the same day when possible. Bring your medications, past test results and MRIs, your insurance card, and a referral if your plan needs one. Read about your first visit or contact us to book.