Brain injury and concussions are a common reason for disruption of the the human connectome. Even small microscopic brain injuries with normal MRIs can affect cognition. Targeted brain exercises help to repair the disrupted connectome. Dr. Devi sees both children and adults with brain injury and concussions and is a neurologic consultant to the National Football League (NFL) Players Association. Patients undergo a thorough neurologic evaluation, focused on aiding recovery from the concussions. Some need a brain MRI. Some need neurocognitive testing to evaluate changes to thinking and processing skills due to brain injury.
“Treating brain injury and concussions requires understanding the brain and its connections- the connectome. The brain functions like an orchestra with a trillion musicians.”
Why did Nellie, a seventh grader with a concussion, take so long to recover? Vertigo and imbalance are common after brain injury and concussions, often unrecognized and untreated and can significantly impact recovery.
“A decade ago, I had an equestrian accident. I was in a coma, half paralyzed, lost half of my vision and had no short-term memory. I was terrified that I would not be able to resume my work as a literary agent and an editor. Thankfully, Dr. Devi became my neurologist as soon as I was out of the hospital. I immediately adored her- she is deeply compassionate, brilliant, and has a healthy sense of humor- a must when you care for people with brain damage! I worked with her doing brain exercises for 1-1/2 years. While my sight has not returned, my ability to be a devoted mother with an intense career returned, full-force. I attribute my unexpected recovery to all the work that I did with Dr. Devi, and her amazing advocacy for me in so many ways. I will be forever grateful. And now Dr. Devi is one of my clients and I have represented 2 of her books!” Laura Yorke. Cognitive rehabilitation is key to recovering function after head injury.
Brain exercise programs for treating concussions run from a few weeks to two years, depending on severity of injury, once to several times a week.
