Dr. David Schwartz, a neuropsychologist who recently joined GMC-Duluth, is leading the new program.
While sports-related injuries are the leading cause of concussion in children, falls or auto accidents are among the leading causes of concussions among adults. Because the sooner a concussion is treated, the better, GMC-D’s Concussion Institute is taking a multi-pronged approach as it relates to the education about concussions among adults.
Limited educational outreach is focusing on police officers, firefighters and those in the construction industry. “Many of these patients rely heavily on their ability to balance so it’s important they are treated comprehensively,” said Dr. Schwartz. “Treatments like vestibular therapy can help them to return to work safely and quickly.”
This expanded service allows us to more fully meet the needs of our community, said Tim Simmons, Concussion Institute director. “Dr. Schwartz brings a depth of understanding and knowledge which allows us to treat a robust spectrum of patients.”
According to Dr. Schwartz, many patients who have concussion-related injuries initially visit a hospital emergency department so it’s critical that those nurses and doctors have the proper evaluation tools. “By using a resource like the Acute Concussion Evaluation or ACE, or other specialized tools for an initial evaluation, nurses, doctors, and patients know to quickly see a neuropsychologist to control and limit the impact and effects of concussions,” he said.
“Often times, when adults suffering from concussion go untreated, it can impact underlying conditions including anxiety, depression, attention issues or migraines,” said Dr. Schwartz. “An untreated concussion can also impact a patient’s ability to sleep.”
Dr. Schwartz specializes in assessment and treatment of concussion and traumatic brain injury, neurorehabilitation and intervention in learning and educational issues. His work on integrating technology in rehabilitation and returning to activity has been published. He holds a joint PhD in Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in Neuropsychology and consults nationally and in Canada with school districts, state departments of education, provincial school boards and clinical groups.
He is the executive director and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology, as well as an adjunct faculty member at Kennesaw State University, Argosy University–Atlanta and Georgia State University.
About Gwinnett Medical Center
Gwinnett Medical Center is a nationally-recognized, not-for-profit healthcare network with acute-care hospitals in Lawrenceville and Duluth. In 2014, Gwinnett Medical Center was recognized by Georgia Trend as the top large hospital in the state. Offering cardiovascular, orthopedic and neuroscience specialty care as well as a full continuum of wellness services, GMC’s 4,800 associates and 800 affiliated physicians serve more than 400,000 patients annually. To learn more about how GMC is transforming healthcare, visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org or follow us at facebook.com/gwinnettmedical, twitter.com/gwinnettmedical or youtube.com/gwinnettmedical.
