Concussion Recovery: Expert Care for Full Healing
Concussions can happen to anyone, and their symptoms can be unpredictable and challenging to manage. Whether you’re struggling with headaches, dizziness, or cognitive difficulties, you need an expert to guide your recovery and provide the comprehensive care necessary for a full recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Menk Otto?
Dr. Menk Otto is certified in concussion management through Complete Concussion Management Inc. (CCMI)—a global network of healthcare providers focused on evidence-based concussion care. This multidisciplinary, research-driven approach ensures that you receive the most up-to-date and effective treatment for your concussion symptoms.
The Myth of Rest: Active Recovery is Key
Although commonly recommended, rest alone is not the solution for concussion recovery. In fact, full recovery is best achieved through staying active within safe limits, while addressing underlying factors such as inflammation and performing a thorough assessment of all systems affected by the concussion.
Recovery involves much more than just the brain. In addition to the neurological system, other systems that may require attention include:
- Vestibular and balance systems
- Vision and eye function
- Digestive system
- Hormonal balance
- Other interrelated systems
What Can You Expect from Concussion Care with Dr. Menk Otto?
Dr. Menk Otto specializes in the comprehensive assessment and management of both acute and chronic concussion symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or lingering effects from a past head trauma, you can expect a thorough evaluation and advising specific to your acute or lingering symptoms, to get you back to full function.
The most current research on concussion care underscores that these injuries can affect multiple systems in the body, not just the brain. As a result, a comprehensive evaluation—one that addresses the whole person—is critical to achieving the best recovery outcome.
Even years after a head injury, many individuals still experience persistent symptoms. This may indicate that key systems contributing to those symptoms were not fully assessed or treated. By identifying and addressing these underlying factors, Dr Menk Otto helps to enhance your chances of full recovery.
Personalized Evaluation Based on Your Symptoms and History
Depending on your symptoms and specific needs, your evaluation may include one or more of the following assessments:
- Autonomic Nervous System Evaluation
- For symptoms such as dizziness, headache, exercise intolerance, rapid heart rate, or shortness of breath.
- Vision Evaluation
- For issues like double or blurred vision, light sensitivity, screen intolerance, and difficulties with reading or comprehension.
- Vestibular System Evaluation
- For symptoms including dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, or frequent bumping into things.
- Cervical Spine Evaluation
- For persistent neck pain, headache, dizziness, or vertigo.
- Gastrointestinal Evaluation
- For new onset symptoms like bloating, digestive difficulties, diarrhea, constipation, or reflux.
- Cognitive Evaluation
- For feelings of mental fog, slowed thinking, or difficulties with comprehension and processing.
- Chronic Inflammation Management
- Chronic inflammation can contribute to pain, persistent headaches, and slower recovery. Managing this as part of a whole-person care approach is essential for long-term recovery.
Comprehensive Concussion Care
Your treatment plan may also include the following:
- Return-to-Play/Return-to-Sport Advising
- Making informed decisions regarding your safety and readiness to return to sports, work, or other activities.
- Specialist Referrals
- If necessary, you may be referred to other specialists, such as neuro-optometry, vestibular physical therapy, or neurology for further assessment and targeted care.
Rest assured that Dr. Menk Otto’s approach focuses on thorough, patient-centered care to support your recovery at every stage.
Laurie Menk Otto, ND, MPH 