TBS Blog

Concussion and Spine Clinic


I just returned from the American Academy of Neurology conference in Vancouver and attended the concussion course. There is lots of research being completed into concussion and how it effects the brain, eyes and balance centres.


We know that more than 75% of patients with concussion get better within a few weeks of the injury but a multidisciplinary approach is required. In particular, a neurologist specializing in mild head injury and a team of therapists can assist in achieving optimal recovery.

We are a unique clinic specializing in the management of head and spine injuries. The clinic is run by a neurologist (Dr Mehdiratta) who has a special interest in stroke and mild traumatic brain injury. Having a neurologist manage the concussion means that medications that help can be prescribed if needed by a brain specialist.

The clinic offers neurological evaluation by neurologists trained in the evaluation and treatment of concussion. Expertise is also provided by neuroradiology and neurosurgery for further evaluation and treatment. We partner with a multi-disciplinary team including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists and optometrists.

Currently concussion is an evolving area with new research coming out daily.

New treatments include:

  • Treatment for headaches and migraines
  • Treatment for dizziness
  • Treatment for memory loss
  • Treatment for sleep disturbances
  • Treatments for neck and back pain resulting from concussion
  • Treatments for vision problems resulting from concussion

For spine issues, treatments can include medication, physiotherapy and in select cases surgical treatments are offered.

Referrals can be faxed through another physician (family doctor or emergency physician) to 905-848-0003

Stroke Prevention


In the last 10 years, we have learned a lot about stroke prevention. Carotid stenosis (hardening of the arteries) used to be one of the most common causes of stroke but as smoking rates have gone down and people are living longer a new culprit has emerged - a heart rhythm disturbance known as Atrial Fibrillation (see video link). The good news is that if you have atrial fibrillation, a stroke can be prevented in most cases with new oral anticoagulant medications that do not require a change in diet and there is no need for bloodwork.


In up to 30% of stroke patients, we cannot find a cause. A number of these patients actually have atrial fibrillation but the heart can go in and out of the rhythm and it can be difficult to catch. Based on the results of a recent Canadian study, prolonged cardiac monitoring can better detect atrial fibrillation than standard 24 or 48 hour monitoring. Please see the links below for further information.

Trillium Brain and Spine can help with cardiac monitoring and treatment of atrial fibrillation. If you or a family member has had a stroke or TIA with no cause, contact us to arrange for 30 day cardiac monitoring.

// Longer Heart Monitoring Backed for Stroke Patients

// Guidelines for the Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

RESPECT the BRAIN


We spend a lot of time respecting our teeth. We see the dentist regularly and make sure that we brush and floss our teeth daily. We also make sure that we follow up with our optometrists on a regular basis to keep our eyes in check and most of us try to hit the treadmill at least once in a while to keep our hearts strong.


While it’s very important to keep our teeth, eyes and heart in great condition we don’t spend a lot of time talking about how we can take similar care of our brains.

That’s because until recently we didn’t know much about our brains and how they function. Until now…

The 1990s were called the “decade of the brain” because this was a time in which we had access to unique imaging modalities that allowed us to start to see how the brain functions.

Contrary to popular thought, the brain functions as a whole and there are ways to make it stronger.

New research is starting to show that we can prevent stroke in a majority of cases when we have warning signs. Alzheimer intervention can slow disease progression. We can help treat people with headaches effectively without pills. And this is just the start.

For those who are not effected with neurological disease, regular maintenance of our brains can make our memory stronger and help us live more efficiently and happily.

In the coming weeks we will provide links on how to make your brain healthier. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting journey.

Read more about Brain health here: Why Your Brain Needs More Downtime - Scientific American

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