Emerson Hospital announced today the opening of its brand new Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center, located a short drive from the hospital at 310 Baker Avenue in the Concord Woods Office Park. Named in honor of Robert Cantu, MD, the Center's Medical Director and Director of Clinical Research, and one of the world’s leading experts on concussions, it is custom-designed for optimal care of patients who have a brain injury. The Center features the latest therapies for the diagnosis, treatment and management of all types of concussive brain injuries.
Dr. Cantu, along with Barry Levin, MD, neurologist, are now seeing new patients at The Cantu Concussion Center for baseline testing, diagnoses and rehabilitative treatments of concussive brain injuries as a result of playing sports or non-athletic related injuries, including falls and head trauma. Concussion prevention courses will also be offered to athletes, coaches and trainers. Drs. Cantu and Levin have over seventy years of combined experience in treating patients with brain injuries, including professional athletes.
“With the recent increase in people of all ages suffering from concussions, we are very excited to open the Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center to provide top notch care in a beautiful setting that is specifically designed for treating concussion patients," said Christine Schuster, president and CEO of Emerson Hospital. "Our community has a very active and athletic population. With the opening of this center, we can continue to focus on keeping our neighbors healthy."
Based on years of research, patient input and in consultation with Drs. Cantu and Levin, the new center has sound-proof exam rooms and low-level lighting to make it easier for patients who are suffering the effects of a concussion. The center features:
• The latest therapies for concussions, PCS (Post-Concussion Syndrome) and symptoms of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) to help with injury management and recovery
• Access to the most advanced equipment and expert physical, occupational, speech and neurological therapists in the brand new Clough Family Center for Rehabilitative and Sports Therapies located adjacent to the Concussion Center (Please see related press release: “Clough Family Center for Rehabilitative and Sports Therapies Now Open” for more information about the Clough Family Center.)
• Individualized treatment to meet each patient’s needs and facilitate success at home, school and work
• Baseline testing to provide a snapshot of healthy brain function for comparison should an injury occur
• A team approach where patients benefit from a range of specialists working together to guide their treatment
• Education and support for athletes, patients, caregivers, parents and coaches to aid with recovery
Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins and one of Dr. Cantu’s patients, suffered a severe concussion on the ice several years ago. “Dr. Cantu knows as much as anyone about concussions,” said Kent Hughes, whose firm represents dozens of National Hockey League players, including Mr. Bergeron, who explains: “Dr. Cantu put me at ease. I knew it was a bad concussion, so I was willing to do whatever I needed to get better. I’m lucky to have Dr. Cantu nearby. I always say to him, ‘I want to see you again, but not in your office – maybe at a Bruins game.’”
In addition to professional athletes, Dr. Cantu sees many student athletes such as Madeleine Perko of Weston. “I was treated by Dr. Cantu and Emerson's physical and speech therapy team for a concussion I suffered during a soccer match," she said. "Going to Emerson was the difference between me recovering and not recovering, I didn't improve until I started getting treatment at Emerson. Patients are so fortunate now to have access to the integrated Concussion Center and the Sports Therapies Center featuring the best clinicians and the latest equipment for managing concussions and helping patients resume normal lives."
Dr. Cantu explains: "Concussions are among the most debilitating injuries, often resulting in terrible headaches, dizziness, extreme sensitivities to light and sound, sleep disturbances, and intellectual impairment that has a profound negative impact on quality of life. We are looking forward to serving the community in the new Concussion Center to make it possible for patients to regain their abilities and recover fully from their brain injuries."
For more information about the Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center, and to make an appointment, please visit www.emersonhospital.org or call 978-287-8250.
