Concussion Treatment at the Complex Concussion Clinic
For adolescents and adults with concussions from sports, falls, or car accidents who are at risk for a prolonged or complicated recovery, Shepherd Center's Complex Concussion Clinic is the only healthcare provider in Atlanta offering fully integrated, multi-disciplinary treatment to return you to work, school, and play faster and with fewer long-term complications.
When a concussion occurs, contact Shepherd Center’s Complex Concussion Clinic to assist in your return to work, school, athletics, leisure and/or daily activities.
Comprehensive Concussion Care & Treatment
Our history of excellent outcomes means you can trust the Shepherd's Complex Concussion Clinic team to provide comprehensive, research-based evaluation and treatment to help get you back to your life after a complex concussion. At Shepherd’s Complex Concussion Clinic, you get access to:
- A holistic approach to individualized treatment
- 10 different specialties under one roof
- Options for telehealth
- Regular evaluations to measure progress-to-goals
Ready to get the specialized rehabilitative care you need and deserve? Request an appointment now, or contact us at 404-603-4314 or by email at cccadmissions@shepherd.org.
What Is a Complex Concussion?
A sudden jolt or blow to the head can result in a mild traumatic brain injury, commonly known as a concussion. Typically, concussions resolve within a few weeks as headaches, and other symptoms subside. Patients return to work, school, or athletic activities, often feeling as capable as they did before their injury. About 20% of concussions are at risk for longer-lasting or more severe symptoms that require additional evaluation and treatment. In these cases, we provide our sub-specialty brain injury expertise and resources in partnership with schools, sports medicine professionals, primary care providers, and general neurologists.
Conditions that might be classified as a complex concussion and put you at risk for a prolonged or complicated recovery include:
- Had a concussion within the past 6 months
- Have a history of complications from concussions
- Have had abnormal imaging or testing
- Have prominent dizziness, imbalance, or visual symptoms after concussion
- History of headaches, migraine, anxiety, or depression
- History of previous concussions
- Or other concerns
What Makes the Shepherd Complex Concussion Clinic Different?
- Unique research-based comprehensive evaluation and treatment, specifically for complex concussions
- Comprehensive expertise spanning medical, rehabilitation, psychological, vocational, and athletic needs
- Patient-centered individualized goal-centered care with the emphasis on return to play, school/work, and community
- Convenience of 10 specialties combined in one location, and options for telehealth, as appropriate
- Advanced technology
- Patient/family education
What You Can Expect
Concussions affect different brain networks, so quickly addressing the range of impairments improves a person's recovery. At our Complex Concussion Clinic, each patient receives an individualized evaluation by a team of concussion specialists to determine the best course of treatment.
Once a patient has been evaluated, our care team develops a treatment plan tailored to their specific injury and needs. This may include weekly visits to one or more of our therapy specialists for eight to 12 weeks. The clinic streamlines care by providing interdisciplinary resources at a single location with state-of-the-art equipment. Treatment is completed in person and using telehealth, depending on patient needs. Our multi-disciplinary team includes:
- Neurology and rehabilitation medicine physicians who specialize in brain injury
- Neuropsychology, sports psychology, and counseling
- Athletic training
- Vestibular physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech/cognitive therapy
- Vocational counseling
- Case management
Our Unique Approach
Shepherd Center has a long history of supporting professional, collegiate, and youth sports teams. However, our scope is not limited to sports medicine. We pride ourselves in working with a wide variety of people in all stages of life, ranging from adolescents (12 years+) to older adults who have a concussion from sports, falls, car accidents, and other sources.
We strive to return patients to their full activity and performance level as quickly and as safely as possible. We seek the best outcome for every patient through evidence-based, individualized interventions. We empower our patients through active rehabilitative therapies early in the healing process to prevent long-term complications and to spark recovery.
We also minimize the use of medications, which can sometimes mask symptoms and cause side effects that can slow progress. Our interdisciplinary team of specialists consult with families, employers, coaches and, athletic trainers, and school officials to ensure safe return to pre-injury activities. We also develop and implement accommodations as needed to enable patient success.
Complex concussions can be troubling for patients and medically challenging for frontline physicians. Our focused approach to care can significantly reduce recovery time and improve patient outcomes.
Read more about the Complex Concussion Clinic and meet our medical providers, Russell Gore, M.D., medical director of the Complex Concussion Clinic, and Jared Potter, MD.
Referrals to the Complex Concussion Clinic
Treatment at the Complex Concussion Clinic is available. We provide a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach for patients ages 12 and above experiencing symptoms from a concussion that has occurred in the past six months.
Physical Symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Feeling off-balance
- Sensitive to light and/or noise
- Increased fatigue
- Visual Difficulties
Sleep Symptoms
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep
Emotional Symptoms
- Increased irritability
- Feeling sad or down
- Feeling nervous or anxious
- Mood swings
Cognitive Symptoms
- Decreased attention
- Memory problems
- Slower thinking
- Difficulty following directions
Patient Stories
Catherine McLean
After recovering from a concussion with help from Shepherd Center’s Complex Concussion Clinic, Catherine McLean returned to work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Jordyn Sak
Jordyn Sak, 23, sustained two concussions while on her college diving team at Georgia Tech and has since recovered to pursue new challenges.
Request an Appointment
If you or a loved one have sustained a concussion and are at risk for a prolonged or complicated recovery, we would be happy to provide you with an evaluation. Complete the form to request an appointment now.
Contact the Complex Concussion Clinic
To learn more about Shepherd Center’s Complex Concussion Clinic, call 404-603-4314 or email us at cccadmissions@shepherd.org.
Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Our address is:
Complex Concussion Clinic
Shepherd Center (off-campus location)
80 Peachtree Park Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30309