
Personal Injury
TBI / Concussion
A brain injury and a mental health picture that deserve to be evaluated together.
What Happens in a Concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden jolt or impact that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. You do not have to hit your head on anything for this to happen — the whiplash-type forces of a car accident are enough on their own.
Why Evaluation Comes First
Any suspected concussion needs proper medical evaluation to rule out more serious brain injury, and we coordinate with physicians and, when needed, direct patients toward emergency evaluation for red-flag symptoms — worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizure, slurred speech, or increasing confusion.
Signs & Symptoms
- Headaches and pressure at the base of the skull
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Irritability, mood changes, or emotional flatness
- Anxiety, low mood, or symptoms of PTSD following the accident
Why the Mental Health Piece Is Inseparable Here
Concussion symptoms and post-traumatic stress symptoms overlap significantly — irritability, poor concentration, sleep disruption, and emotional changes show up in both. Evaluating them separately, the way most clinics do, means one is often missed. Our medical and behavioral health teams evaluate both together from the start, which changes how accurately your recovery gets tracked and treated.
Our Approach
- Medical evaluation and coordination with your physician on the neurological side of recovery
- CNS-based physical therapy addressing the cervical and vestibular components that frequently accompany a concussion
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management if PTSD, anxiety, or depression develop following the injury
- Ongoing behavioral health support throughout the recovery process
What to Expect
Most concussion symptoms resolve within two to four weeks, though a meaningful number of patients experience longer post-concussion symptoms — often driven by the treatable cervical, vestibular, and psychological components we specifically evaluate for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I still have headaches and mood changes weeks later?
Persistent post-concussion symptoms are frequently driven by a combination of unaddressed neck injury, vestibular dysfunction, and psychological impact — all of which we evaluate and treat directly.
Can a concussion actually cause PTSD or anxiety, or are those separate?
They can develop together, and it's often difficult to separate them without a full evaluation. We assess both rather than assuming one explains the other.
Do you manage medication for concussion symptoms?
We don't manage pain medication for the physical injury, but if PTSD, anxiety, or depression develops as part of your recovery, our psychiatry team can evaluate and manage medication for those conditions directly.
Concussion recovery is not something to guess your way through, and the psychological piece is not a side note — it's frequently part of the same injury.
Confidential · No Pressure · Coordinated Care
Start today. Walk-ins welcome.
Call us, send a message, or just come by the clinic. Same-day appointments are available, and our team will meet you without judgment.
1010 E McDowell Rd, Suite 410, Phoenix, AZ 85006 · Open until 7 PM Wednesdays