Director's Message
As the incidence of concussions continues to climb to alarming levels, the need for licensed medical providers who are specifically trained in the area of concussion evaluation and management has never been so great. The Concussion Center at the University of South Florida is the first of its kind in the greater Tampa Bay area. In order to effectively meet the medical needs of individuals with acute concussions or lingering post-concussive syndrome, we have established an integrated, multidisciplinary system of care that is specifically designed to offer a continuum of medical care (that includes diagnostic, rehabilitative and referral services) for patients with concussions.
Because the management of concussions occasionally requires the coordination of specialty care services in a timely manner, a patient-centered 'medical home' where one of our qualified medical providers leads a team of specialists has been set up to provide efficient and improved services for our patients. Our dedicated team consists of experts in the following specialty areas: neurology, neurocritical care, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, psychiatry, audiology, pediatrics, neurotology, ophthalmology, neuroradiology, athletic training, sports medicine and physical therapy.
Concussions, even mild ones, need to be recognized promptly and managed appropriately to avoid potentially catastrophic consequences, particularly in the young developing brain. We believe we can offer patients with concussions the expert attention needed to effectively and safely manage their injury.
As part of the Center's mission, we are also reaching out to local communities (including youth sport participants, parents, coaches, etc) to enhance awareness of the signs and symptoms of concussions and to call attention to concussion prevention strategies that may benefit high-risk individuals. We are truly committed to helping our community manage this growing public health concern.
Gianluca Del Rossi, PhD, ATC
Director, USF Concussion Center