Patient Resources

Our multidisciplinary specialists diagnose and treat the following conditions that affect athletic performance:

Concussion

Historically, the term “concussion” has been used to describe a wide variety of signs and symptoms seen in individuals after a head injury. Further clarification was needed and the term “Mild Traumatic Brain Injury” was created. The signs and symptoms of MTBI can be divided into three categories: cognitive; physical; and behavioral.

Cognitive symptoms may include any of the following:

Physical symptoms may include any of the following:

Behavioral changes may include any of the following:

An individual experiencing any combination of the symptoms or changes listed above may be suffering from MTBI and should be evaluated further. Additional information on MTBI is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Migraine headache

Migraine headache is a disabling syndrome that affects an estimated 30 million people in the United States and most commonly begins in early adulthood. Symptoms of migraine headache include:

While these are the most frequent symptoms of migraine, other common symptoms include sinus pressure and neck discomfort.

The concurrent symptoms of a migraine make physical activity extremely difficult and, as a result, have a negative impact on athletic performance. Fortunately, migraine headaches can be effectively treated with medication.

Michigan NeuroSport has an active research interest in competitive athletes who experience migraines. Please contact our office at 734-936-9055 for more information and enrollment availability.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are common - but significantly under-diagnosed - in competitive athletes. They can cause daytime sleepiness or problems getting to sleep, resulting in decreased physical and mental performance. 

Obstructive sleep apnea is a very common breathing disorder that can cause excessive daytime sleepiness. OSA results from an airway obstruction that disrupts sleep and leads to low oxygen levels at night. Athletes who snore, have large neck circumferences or large body mass indexes are at higher risk of developing OSA. Left untreated, this condition can lead to difficulties with mood, alertness, memory and coordination – things that are vital for a competitive athlete to be successful and safe – and long-term health problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. 

Jet lag and other circadian rhythm disorders also are widespread among athletes because of frequent travel between time zones. Insomnia, or difficultiy getting to sleep or staying asleep, can result from pain, physical exertion and anxiety – things that are regular parts of an athlete’s life.  

The athletic sleep experts of Michigan NeuroSport offer in-depth sleep medicine assessment and treatment, including an overnight sleep study to evaluate for a variety of sleep disorders. Their shared goals are to understand the prevalence of sleep disorders in athletes and find ways to increase awareness of these conditions amongst players, coaches and trainers.

Peripheral Nerve Injury

Sports injuries commonly result in damage to peripheral nerves. While surgery is sometimes required to repair a damaged nerve, other injuries are best treated with conservative management and rehabilitation. Michigan NeuroSport’s neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists work together to determine each patient’s best path to recovery. And our rehabilitation specialists and therapists help the athlete return to competition safely and expeditiously.

Other Neurological Disorders

In addition to the conditions described on this Web site, Michigan NeuroSport participates in the diagnosis and treatment of: