Frequently Asked Questions

Does NJCANS provide neuropsychological evaluations?

NJCANS works in partnership with Footprint NJ to provide comprehensive, individualized, and targeted neuropsychological evaluations to youth and young adults (6 - 30 years old) within the New Jersey and New York City areas. This includes ongoing support and collaboration with schools, academic advisors, and employers to help implement recommendations. 

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head and/or body. Concussions often occur in sports, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and trips-and-falls. Concussions cause physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related symptoms. 

  • Physical

    • Headaches

    • Dizziness

    • Nausae

    • Light sensitivity

    • Sound sensitivity

    • Visual disturbance

  • Cognitive 

    • Short-term memory lapses

    • Inattention

    • Difficulty focusing 

    • Fogginess

    • Sluggishness 

  • Emotional 

    • Irritability

    • Frustration

    • Anxiety

    • Depression

    • Isolation

  • Sleep

    • Difficulty falling asleep

    • Difficulty staying asleep

    • Oversleeping, excessive fatigue

What are the steps of a concussion evaluation?

  • Review of medical records

  • Clinical intake with the neuropsychologist

  • Computerized and paper-and-pencil neuropsychological testing

  • Vestibular/oculomotor testing

How are concussions treated?

Concussions are treated using a multidisciplinary approach comprised of a combination the following services:

  • Behavioral management (e.g., day-to-day strategies for improved healing of concussion)

  • 6-Step Return-to-Play Protocol (individualized, in collaboration with school athletic trainers)

  • Academic/work accommodations

  • Referrals for further treatment:

    • Vestibular therapy

    • Psychiatry

    • Psychological services

    • Neuro-optometry

  • Medical clearance

Who may benefit from sports psychology services?

  • Individuals involved in sports or performance-based activities can benefit from receiving sports psychological services. We work with athletes and performers of all levels (elite, high-school, middle-school, club), to help optimize their mental performance. We apply evidence-based cognitive strategies to help individuals:

    • Cope with injuries

    • Deal with performance anxiety

    • Manage athletic/performance-related transitions (retirement, changing roles, playing in higher levels of competition)

    • Improve communication

    • Enhance leadership

    • Improve psychological resilience

    • Adopt a high-performance mindset

What are some things I need to know about concussions?

    • Excessive physical and cognitive rest may prolong recovery. Non-contact, low-risk aerobic exercise is preferable. 

    • For athletes:

      • Be honest and do not play through concussions! Research has shown that playing through concussions leads to a significantly longer recovery. 

      • Athletes must be evaluated by a physician or other licensed healthcare provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. Written clearance is needed from a physician trained in the evaluation and management of concussions.

    • For coaches:

      • If an athlete is suspected of having a concussion, that player must be pulled out of play immediately and evaluated by a trained health professional. The athlete should not be permitted to return to play on the same day. When in doubt, sit them out. 

      • The 6-Step Return-To-Play Protocol:

        • Step 1: Completion of a full day of normal cognitive activities (school day, studying for tests, watching practice, interacting with peers) without reemergence of any signs or symptoms. 

        • Step 2: Light Aerobic exercise, which includes walking, swimming, and stationary cycling, keeping the intensity below 70% maximum heart rate. The objective of this step is increased heart rate.

        • Step 3: Sport-specific exercise including skating, and/or running: no head impact activities. The objective of this step is to add movement.

        • Step 4: Non-contact training drills (e.g. passing drills). Student-athlete may initiate resistance training.

        • Step 5: Following medical clearance (consultation between school health care personnel and student-athlete’s physician), participation in normal training activities. The objective of this step is to restore confidence and assess functional skills by coaching and medical staff.

        • Step 6: Return to play involving normal exertion or game activity.

Are services covered by insurance?

    • NJCANS does not work with insurance. We are an out-of-network practice and will provide superbills that you may submit for out-of-network reimbursement.