Do I Have A Concussion? (with Beth Pieroth, PsyD, ABPP, MPH)

Most of us have taken a blow to the head at some point in our lives. Maybe we got elbowed during a pickup basketball game, or smacked our heads on the tailgate when taking groceries out of the back of the car. We see stars. We have a headache. We feel a little out of it for awhile.

Is this a concussion? How do I know? Is that bad? What should I do? Who should I call?

Thankfully we have Beth Pieroth, PsyD,ABPP, MPH! 

• Dr. Pieroth is the Director of the Concussion Program at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH, she has assessed concussion in the National Hockey League since 1997. 
• She is the Head Injury/Concussion specialist for the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, White Sox, Fire, and the National Women’s Soccer League, many colleges and high schools across Illinois. 
• Co-Director of the NFL Neuropsychology Consulting Program. 
• On the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois 

Long story short, Dr. Pieroth has been in the concussion game for a MINUTE and is here to set the record straight when things feel a little wobbly...

Topics in this episode include:

What actually IS a concussion?

What are typical signs and symptoms of a concussion?

Who should people seek care from and what time frame after they suspect they might have a concussion? (ER, PCP, Neuropsychologist like Dr. Pieroth??)

Do all people with suspected concussion need imaging like a CT scan?

Do you need to lay in a dark room for days after you have a concussion?

Do helmets prevent concussions?

What is "second impact syndrome"? How prevalent is this phenomenon?

What are some cool things on the horizon that can aid in diagnosis and management of concussions?

Check out Dr. Pieroth's TedX Chicago Talk!

You can find more info about Dr. Pieroth here as well :)

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