Concussion Clinics in Calgary
For concussion assessment and management in Calgary, patients should seek care at specialized concussion clinics such as the Alberta Children's Hospital Concussion Clinic for pediatric patients or the Foothills Medical Centre for adults.
Available Concussion Clinics in Calgary
Pediatric Concussion Services:
- Alberta Children's Hospital Concussion Clinic
- Specialized care for children and adolescents
- Comprehensive assessment and management protocols
- Referral typically required from primary care physician
Adult Concussion Services:
- Foothills Medical Centre
- Tertiary care facility with neurological expertise
- Comprehensive stroke and brain injury services
- May require physician referral
Other Options:
- University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre
- Specializes in sport-related concussions
- Offers assessment and return-to-play protocols
- Private concussion clinics throughout Calgary offering specialized services
Assessment and Management Approach
Concussion clinics in Calgary typically follow a standardized approach based on Canadian guidelines 1, 2:
Initial Assessment:
- Comprehensive neurological examination
- Symptom evaluation using standardized tools like SCAT5
- Assessment of balance and cognitive function
- Determination of concussion severity
Management Plan:
- Brief period (24-48 hours) of relative rest 2
- Gradual return to activities with careful symptom monitoring
- Individualized rehabilitation plan addressing specific symptoms
Specialized Services:
- Vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness/balance issues
- Manual therapy for neck pain contributing to headaches
- Light aerobic exercise at subsymptom threshold
- Cognitive rehabilitation when needed
Timing Considerations
Early assessment is critical for optimal outcomes:
- Patients who delay first physician visit (>7 days) experience significantly longer recovery times 3
- Moderate to severe headache at first visit predicts longer recovery 3
- Balance issues (poor tandem stance) correlate with extended recovery periods 3
Referral Process
Most concussion clinics in Calgary require a referral from a primary care provider or emergency department physician. This ensures appropriate triage and helps manage wait times for specialized services.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Delayed assessment: Seeking care within 7 days of injury significantly improves outcomes 3
- Excessive rest: Complete rest until all symptoms resolve is outdated and can prolong recovery 2
- Premature return to activities: Returning to contact sports before complete symptom resolution increases risk of reinjury
- Inadequate cognitive rest: Failing to provide temporary academic or work accommodations can worsen symptoms 2
- Medication overuse: Using medications to mask symptoms rather than manage them appropriately
Follow-up Care
Recovery from concussion with persisting symptoms can be prolonged, with sports-related concussions generally having better outcomes than those from motor vehicle collisions or falls 4. Regular follow-up at concussion clinics helps monitor progress and adjust management strategies as needed.