Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Diagnosis & Treatment in Houston

Still dealing with headaches, dizziness, memory problems, or balance issues after a head injury—even though your MRI looks “normal”?

At St. Michael’s Neurology & Pain Medicine Clinics, we specialize in advanced concussion and TBI diagnostics that uncover what standard imaging often misses—so you can finally get clear answers, targeted treatment, and a real recovery plan.

We serve patients across Houston, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, and the Texas Medical Center.

What Is a Concussion?

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or a rapid acceleration–deceleration movement of the brain. While classified as “mild,” concussions can cause serious and long-lasting neurological symptoms, especially when not properly diagnosed or treated.

Many patients ask:

Is a concussion a traumatic brain injury?
Yes. A concussion is a form of mild TBI.

Can a concussion cause long-term symptoms?
Absolutely, particularly in post-concussion syndrome.

Loss of consciousness may occur—but it is not required for a concussion to be present.

Concussion & TBI Symptoms (Optimized for Search Intent)

Common Symptoms of Concussion and TBI

Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over days or weeks:

Persistent headaches or migraines

Dizziness or vertigo

Nausea or vomiting

Fatigue or excessive sleepiness

Sleep disturbances

Blurred or double vision

Light and noise sensitivity

Memory loss or brain fog

Difficulty concentrating

Mood changes, anxiety, or depression

Loss of balance or coordination

Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention

Seek urgent evaluation if you experience:

Severe or worsening headache

Seizures

Loss of consciousness longer than one minute

Blood or fluid from ears or nose

Difficulty waking or confusion

Causes of Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury

Concussions and TBIs commonly result from:

Motor vehicle accidents

Slip and fall injuries

Sports-related head trauma

Workplace accidents

Assault or blunt force trauma

Sudden violent shaking of the head

How We Diagnose Concussion & TBI (Authority + Differentiation)

Comprehensive Neurological Evaluation

Every patient receives a thorough neurological and cognitive assessment, including evaluation of:

Eye movements and visual tracking

Reflexes and motor strength

Hearing and vision

Balance and coordination

Attention, memory, and information processing

Advanced Diagnostic Testing (Your Competitive Advantage)

Quantitative EEG (qEEG) & Cortical Brain Mapping

For patients with persistent symptoms, standard MRI or CT scans often appear normal. That’s where qEEG becomes critical.

qEEG identifies:

Abnormal brainwave patterns

Disrupted neural connectivity

Cortical dysfunction linked to symptoms

At our Concussion & TBI Neurodiagnostic Laboratory, testing is:

Interpreted by board-certified TBI neurologists

Correlated with both objective findings and patient-reported symptoms

Useful for treatment planning and legal documentation

Neuropsychological & Cognitive Testing (With Validity Indicators)

We perform advanced neuropsychological evaluations to assess:

Memory and learning

Attention and concentration

Executive function

Processing speed

Built-in validity indicators help rule out symptom exaggeration or malingering, ensuring results are medically and legally credible.

Videonystagmography (VNG)

VNG detects abnormal eye movements associated with post-concussion syndrome, which can cause:

Dizziness

Balance instability

Disorientation

Coordination problems

This computerized test provides objective, manipulation-proof results.

Dynamic Posturography (Balance and Coordination Testing)

Dynamic posturography objectively measures postural stability using multiple protocols:

Sensory Organization Test (SOT)

Limits of Stability (LOS)

Motor Control Test (MCT)

Adaptation Test (ADT)

Results reveal dysfunction in sensory, motor, or central nervous system pathways, patterns commonly seen in TBI patients.

Evoked Potentials (ERP / EP Testing)

Evoked potentials measure the brain’s response time and strength when processing stimuli.

We evaluate:

Visual, sensory, and cognitive pathways

Memory encoding and attention (P300a & P300b components)

Delayed latency or reduced amplitude may indicate brain injury, related cognitive impairment, often detected earlier than standard cognitive screens.

Autonomic Nervous System Testing (PCS & Dizziness)

Many post-concussion patients suffer from autonomic dysregulation, which affects heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation.

We assess autonomic function using:

Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

QSART (sweat response testing)

Valsalva Ratio

Blood pressure response to standing

These objective tests guide targeted treatment strategies.

Advanced Neuroimaging Collaboration

When appropriate, we integrate advanced imaging such as:

DTI

SPECT

DWI

All findings are reviewed by independent, board-certified neuroradiologists and TBI specialists to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Treatment & Recovery (Outcome-Driven)

Personalized Concussion & TBI Treatment Plans

Treatment may include:

Structured cognitive and physical rest

Medication management

Balance and vestibular rehabilitation

Vision and oculomotor therapy

Speech and cognitive therapy

Physical therapy

Most concussions do not require surgery, but early, targeted intervention dramatically improves outcomes.

Prevention Strategies

Wear seatbelts and follow driving safety laws

Use protective sports equipment

Avoid overexertion during recovery

Address fall risks proactively

FAQs

Is a concussion the same as a traumatic brain injury?

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury, but symptoms can still be severe or long-lasting.

What is the difference between a concussion and TBI?

All concussions are TBIs, but not all TBIs are concussions. TBIs range from mild to severe.

Can a concussion or TBI be missed on MRI or CT scans?

Yes. Many concussions and mild TBIs do not appear on standard imaging, which is why advanced testing like qEEG is critical.

How long do concussion symptoms last?

Symptoms may resolve in weeks, or persist for months in post-concussion syndrome without proper treatment.

Do you offer concussion testing in Houston?

Yes. We provide advanced concussion and TBI testing in Houston, including qEEG, balance testing, and neuropsychological evaluations.

Can you help after a car accident or work injury?

Absolutely. We frequently evaluate patients after motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and falls.