Cognitive Health

We specialize in the evaluation, management, and treatment of injuries affecting both the physical and mental health aspects of cognitive functioning.  Post- Traumatic Stress (“PTSD”) and depression are important mediators between mild traumatic brain injury and physical health problems.

Traumatic Brain Injury

 A traumatically induced structural injury and/or physiological disruption of brain function as a result of an external force that is indicated by new onset or worsening of at least one of the following clinical signs, immediately following the event: (a) Any period of loss of or a decreased level of consciousness (LOC); (b) Any loss of memory for events immediately before or after the injury; (c) Any alteration in mental state at the time of the injury ; (d) Neurological deficits that may or may not be transient; (e) Intracranial lesion.

PTSD- Post Traumatic Stress

Post- Traumatic Stress (“PTSD”) and depression commonly occur following traumatic brain injury along with physical health problems. Patients who sustain a traumatic brain injury are more likely to develop PTSD, panic disorder, and social phobia. Prompt early interventions to prevent psychiatric illness might facilitate optimal recover from TBI.

AMCI has specialists in the following specialties to help manage your physical and mental health

• NEUROLOGY 
• PSYCHIATRY
• PSYCHOLOGY
• PAIN MANAGEMENT

SERVICES WE PERFORM

Screening for Anxiety and PTSD

When given at an intake or assessment session, screening may be used to help determine the appropriate next steps or treatment options. For example: A PCL-5 total score of 31-33 or higher suggests the patient may benefit from PTSD treatment. 

Neurocognitive Evaluations

Neuropsychological testing is one of the cornerstones of concussion and traumatic brain injury evaluation and contributes significantly to both understanding of the injury and management of the individual. Our testing is conducted with reliable and standardized tools by trained evaluators, under controlled conditions, and findings are interpreted by trained clinicians. These evaluations help identify attention, memory, and executive functioning deficits which can be improved using interventions emphasizing strategy training.

Psychological Consultation, Therapy and Counseling

Psychotherapy interventions are aimed at reducing symptom severity and improving global functioning. Our psychologists and therapists will utilize various options including Cognitive Therapy and Retraining, Exposure Therapy, Stress Inoculation Training, Eye Movement Desensitization and others individualized based upon patient and provider preferences. 

Psychiatry Medical Management

Pharmacotherapy is an important treatment option for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. 

MRI Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a well-established brain imaging study in which a patient is positioned in a magnetic field and a radio-frequency pulse is applied. Hydrogen proton energy emission is translated into visualized structures. Normal tissues give off one signal, while abnormal structures give off a different signal. Due to its high contrast resolution, MRI scans are superior to computed tomography (CT) scans for the detection of some intracranial pathology (except for bone injuries or fractures) and more sensitive than CT for detecting traumatic cerebral injury. MRI may also reveal increased signs and quantity of pathology than CT.

EEG- Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) and Video EEG

Recommended for failure to improve or deterioration of consciousness following initial medical assessment and stabilization.

EMG- Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies

Nerve testing is helpful to determine peripheral vs spinal cord or brain deficits. It is also helpful to compliment other imaging including CT and MRI

Diagnostic Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks such as to the greater occipital nerve can help diagnose occipital neuralgia or cervicogenic headaches.

Vestibular Therapy

Therapeutic interventions to teach compensations or adaptations for postural stability in a variety of situations; exercises to enhance static and dynamic postural stability in a variety of reduced and conflicting sensory environments; a variety of exercises related to functional activities; comprehensive eye exercises in varying functional postures for increasing gaze stabilization and oculomotor control; and a variety of exercises progressing from easy to advance

Other treatments include:

• Dietary Education
• Nutritional Supplementation
• Medication management