Optimizing Concussion Management with Dr. Dean Gomes

What is a concussion? Have you ever wondered what determines when an athlete is ready to safely return to their sport?

A concussion is considered a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when there is a sudden jolt, blow, or bump to the head or body, causing the brain to move rapidly within the skull. In recent years, there has been a transformative shift in the understanding and management of concussions. Traditional approaches emphasizing rest and symptom resolution have given way to more progressive approaches to concussion management. 

A wise quote goes, “Embrace the journey; for every step taken, every experience gained, is a piece of the puzzle that leads us to where we truly belong.”  Do not fear the detours, for they may be the very paths that unveil our destiny. In life, as in sports, we often find ourselves navigating through unexplored territories, trying different paths and experiences to uncover our true passions. During those times, we might find ourselves questioning the seemingly endless road to our destined place, and we might even feel like giving up. However, we must recognize that it's these journeys of self-discovery that teach us priceless lessons about adaptability, resilience, and growth. Remember, no steps are wasted because even the smallest step forward is a step in the right direction.

Dr. Dean Gomes is a highly specialized professional in the field of sports neuropsychology, with a particular focus on concussion care for athletes. He completed his extensive training, including a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fordham University, followed by a two-year fellowship in neuropsychology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Dean's journey into neuropsychology developed organically, stemming from his undergraduate studies and clinical roles, where he discovered a passion for working with children, adolescents, and families, particularly in cases involving neurodevelopmental issues. Currently, Dr. Gomes is associated with the UPMC Concussion Clinic. His expertise and dedication to the field make him a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance on concussion-related matters.

In this episode with Dr. Dean Gomes, we will learn about a man who took risks, explored various paths, and ultimately discovered his true calling in the field of sports neuropsychology. Through his experiences on the field and in clinical settings, Dr. Gomez gained unique insights into the world of concussions and their impact on athletes. His story is an inspiring reminder that the path to one’s calling is not always a straight line. Join us as we dig into his path, uncovering valuable lessons and groundbreaking approaches in concussion management. The conversation also emphasizes the progressive approaches to concussion recovery and the role of physical activity, and the importance of social, ocular, and physical exposures, along with behavioral management techniques to alleviate symptoms and expedite recovery

"The more you're able to expose yourself to the stimuli that are causing your symptoms, the faster you'll get better and those symptoms will be gone." – Dr. Dean Gomes

Topics Covered:

(00:00:40) Introducing our special guest, Dr. Dean Gomes.

(00:02:04) The path to neuropsychology

(00:05:10) Lessons learned from being a college athlete

(00:07:04) Concussion treatment today versus in the past

(00:09:00) Early career path and interest in psychology.

(00:11:07) Clinical externships and exposure to neuropsychology

(00:14:02) Dissertation on concussion assessments

(00:16:52) No steps are wasted

(00:18:04) What is a concussion?

(00:19:38) Quick Reminder: Are you enjoying this episode? Please share it, leave a five-star review, and give feedback. Go to TimeOut with the SportsDr website.

(00:21:45) How to avoid unnecessary imaging for suspected concussions

(00:23:32) The importance of physical activity in retraining various systems

(00:25:45) Discouraging activity avoidance

(00:27:13) The three types of exposures: Social, ocular, and physical

(00:32:00) Medication treatment vs. behavioral approaches

(00:34:38) The role of psycho-pharmacological treatment for vestibular dysfunction

(00:37:41) Where to connect with Dr. Dean Gomes

Key Takeaways: 

"Concussion often resolves on its own, the treatment is essentially no treatment. Its essentially just rest relax, avoid activities that are going to provoke your symptoms, and work out to your capacity." – Dr. Dean Gomes

"My interest in psychology had grown and I started to realize that in some capacity, I didn't know I wanted to work with children, adolescents, and families. I just felt like due to the neuroplasticity, it's such a critical time for development that if you're able to intervene early with Children with adolescence, you can make such positive long-term change." – Dr. Dean Gomes

"Being an athlete within the professional realm, there's something about working with other athletes. It's not even an unspoken thing, but there are some subtleties and some nuances with someone that's played sports that you can relate to easily." – Dr. Dean Gomes

"Many times, in life, we blindly choose a path because of the fear of doing something different." – Dr. Derrick Burgess

"A critical portion of treating concussion is the avoidance aspect. It's just doing your normal day-to-day activities with no avoidance. We don't want avoidance of any activities." – Dr. Dean Gomes

Connect with Dr. Dean Gomes:

Email: Dgomes1@fordham.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-gomes-7a37a03b/

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHGDu1zT4K_X6PnYELu8weg

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

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