Neurologists are physicians who specialize in neurological functioning and are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. After a patient has suffered a head injury, a neurologist will perform a thorough neurological exam to test for any effects of that injury on the brain, spine, or nerves. During the neurological exam, the neurologist evaluates a patient’s mental status, speech, reflexes, motor functioning, balance, and visual acuity.
The neurologists at the Weill Cornell Concussion and Brain Injury Clinic include experts in adult and pediatric head injuries and concussions, headache, and sleep and seizure disorders. If a patient continues to have symptoms after the typical recovery period of a concussion (one to six weeks), our neurological team can provide services to help him or her reach full recovery.
The law requires that children who sustain concussions must have medical clearance to return to regular activities in school and athletics. The neurologists at the Weill Cornell Concussion and Brain Injury Clinic evaluate patients and provide that clearance.