Concussions / Traumatic Brain Injuries
Have you ever had a concussion? Are you still suffering from some of the debilitating effects such as headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light, or balance problems? Are you just feeling slowed down or not thinking clearly?
Dr. Guillemette's has over 300 hours in neurological studies and is accredited by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (D.A.C.N.B). Dr. Guillemette was actually taught by the same people who helped get "Sydney Crosby" back on the ice. Patients' are provided with therapeutic and rehabilitative therapies specific to their needs.
It's never too late! Come on in and see what Dr. Guillemette can do for you!
DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
VNG
Video nystagmagraphy (VNG) –The VNG is a diagnostic tool that has historically been used to assess vestibular dysfunction with patients. Considering the VNG records eye movements it has the capabilities to monitor and statistically quantifying smooth pursuits eye movements, spontaneous nystagmus, optokinetic eye movements, and saccadic eye movements. Literature has found that specific eye movement can be associated with most concussion patients (Ventura, 2014). Additionally by understand the neurological mechanism that are required to perform eye movements, an adept healthcare provider is able to provide rehabilitative therapies for the identified deficiencies.
SACCADOMETER
Saccadometer – The saccadometer is a diagnostic tool with the purpose of measuring saccadic eye movements. This tool can assess the speed, accuracy, velocity, and phase of saccadic eye movements. Current literature has found that abnormalities in saccades can be traced to the majority of individuals who have suffered from concussions (Pearson, 2007).
CAPS
CAPS (comprehensive assessment of postural sway) – CAPS is another diagnostic equipment that will be used by The Neuro Edge in the assessment of traumatic brain injuries. It has been determine in current literature that balance can be a very useful tool in identifying if an individual has sustain a brain injury (Basford, 2003). Dr. Guillemette understands the significance of balance and how it related to brain function. CAPS system analyses the patient based on their height, weight, age, and the standards of performance that should be normally achieved. CAPS can also be used to target specific vestibular canals to determine if there are any abnormalities.
NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION
The Neurological examination is another extremely important aspect in the diagnosis and management of individuals who have suffered from TBI’s. Brain injuries are different for each individual, which is why examinations need to be comprehensive (Stewart, 2012). Examining each aspect of the brains neurological function is necessary in order to truly identify the area of the brain in need of rehabilitation.
SPECIALIZED THERAPIES
Apart from the specialized diagnostic information that is utilized by Dr. Guillemette, there is also unique instrumentation used to provide receptor-based therapy to target specific brain centers. Here is a list of some of the therapies used by Dr. Guillemette.
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Pontine stimulation
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Electric stimulation
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Vagus nerve stimulation
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Oxygen therapy
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Ear insufflation
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Eye light therapy
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Vibration therapy
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Visual tracking therapy
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Balance therapy
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Auditory therapy
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Stress testing
Basford, Jeffrey R., Li-Shan Chou, Kenton R. Kaufman, Robert H. Brey, Ann Walker, James F. Malec, Anne M. Moessner, and Allen W. Brown. "An Assessment of Gait and Balance Deficits after Traumatic Brain Injury." Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 84.3 (2003): 343-49. Web.
Pearson, B. C., K. R. Armitage, C. W M Horner, and R. H S Carpenter. "Saccadometry: The Possible Application of Latency Distribution Measurement for Monitoring Concussion." British Journal of Sports Medicine 41.9 (2007): 610-12. Web.
Stewart, Gregory W., Emily McQueen-Borden, Roberta A. Bell, Thomas Barr, and Jenifer Juengling. "COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ATHLETES WITH SPORT CONCUSSION." The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy 7.4 (2012): 433-47. Print.
Ventura RE, Balcer LJ, Galetta SL. The neuro-ophthalmology of head trauma. Lancet Neurol. 2014 Oct;13(10):1006-16. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(14)70111-5. Review. PubMed PMID: 25231523.