Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Expertise in diagnosis and treatment for TBI and concussion

Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Clinic

At the Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Clinic at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Department of Neurology, we deliver timely diagnosis and personalized treatment for people who have experienced a head injury. Whether you sustained a mild concussion or a moderate to severe TBI, our multidisciplinary team guides you through evaluation, acute management, rehabilitation, and long‑term recovery.

Providers in our dedicated Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic have advanced training to effectively treat brain injuries. We provide comprehensive, compassionate care in a patient-centered setting. The clinic helps patients immediately after a brain injury and throughout short- and long-term recovery, caring for conditions ranging from mild concussions to the most severe brain injuries.

Concussion vs. TBI

A TBI is an injury that affects how your brain works. A concussion is basically a very mild TBI. Concussions affect the brain and not just the head. Bleeding scalps and hurting heads are not concussions. People recover fairly quickly from concussions, and only a small percentage of people continue to have post-concussion symptoms.

A moderate-to-severe TBI is much more serious. It affects you for much longer than a concussion — sometimes for the rest of your life. There are two broad types of TBIs:

Closed brain injury — The force is strong enough to affect the brain without breaking the skull.
Penetrating brain injury — The force or an object pierces the skull and reaches the brain tissue.

Emergency Warning

If symptoms are severe or worsening—such as repeated vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, or severe/worsening headache—call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Symptoms of Brain Injury

These are common signs and symptoms of a brain injury:

Blurry vision
Changes in behavior or mood
Changes in sleep habits
Confusion
Dizziness

Fatigue
Headache
Lightheadedness
Ringing in your ears

Causes of Brain Injury

There are several potential causes of TBIs and concussions:

Car accident
Combat injuries during military service
Domestic violence

Falls (such as in the bathtub or down a ladder or stairs)
Sports injuries

BIDMC provides long-term, ongoing care and support for people and their families living with the effects of a TBI. Learn more about TBI treatment and recovery.

Our Services & Care Approach

We tailor evaluation and treatment to how recently the injury occurred and what symptoms you have. Your plan may include:

Neurology evaluation and medical management
Neuropsychological testing and symptom tracking
Rehabilitation coordination (physical, occupational, speech; vestibular/vision therapy as indicated)

Headache & migraine management (with BIDMC specialists)
Social work & family support
Long‑term follow‑up (return‑to‑learn/return‑to‑play planning)

What to Expect

Initial evaluation and neurological exam; imaging only when clinically necessary
Assessment with neuropsychological testing as needed
Personalized plan including therapies, medications and activity guidance
Recovery & follow‑up with ongoing monitoring and plan adjustments

Meet the Team

The Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic team provide prompt diagnosis and effective treatments for head injuries.

Scott C. Fish, PhD Psychology

Alexandra M. Stillman, MD Brain Injury Medicine Neurology

Additional Services

Your neurologist works with providers throughout the BIDMC care network to ensure that you receive comprehensive care. Explore other providers who may be involved in your care.