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Welcome to our Concussion Clinic at Waugh Chapel
At our concussion clinic in Waugh Chapel, also known as HeadFirst, you will find experienced clinicians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and therapy services of concussions. Our comprehensive services focus on getting you a quick diagnosis, a comprehensive plan for the management and treatment of symptoms, as well as any long-term care, if needed. Whether you were injured by sports, an automobile accident, slip-and-fall, or a work-related injury, our team of compassionate physicians, physical and occupational therapists are specialty trained in concussion management and rehabilitation following a concussion.
We understand the complex and unique challenges patients experience with traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, and are here to help you recover and feel like yourself again.
For concussion diagnosis, please call 855-763-1688.
For post concussion therapy, please call 844-984-3878.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Exhibits moody behavior or personality changes
- Can't recall events prior to hit or fall
- Headache or pressure in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling sluggish or foggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Does not feel "right" or is feeling "down"
Consistent with the Maryland and Washington, D.C., athletic concussion prevention laws, athletes suspected of suffering a concussion should remove themselves or be removed from the game or practice immediately, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear. Continuing to play without medical clearance leaves athletes vulnerable to a more severe brain injury or, rarely, death.
Be aware that symptoms and signs may not appear immediately after the injury and can take hours or days to fully appear. Because athletes may not report their symptoms, coaches, teammates, and parents need to be educated to recognize them and seek appropriate assistance.
Our team offers highly specialized services for people suffering from the lingering — and often life-altering — results of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Our staff provides the correct treatment to those who need help with physical and/or cognitive impairments associated with concussion but do not require hospitalization.
Visiting Concussion Clinic at Waugh Chapel
Concussion Clinic Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Concussion Therapy Hours:
Tuesday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Our providers
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Kelly Ryan, DO
Dr. Ryan is board certified in Family Medicine and was fellowship trained in Primary Care Sports Medicine, with additional certification of qualification for care for the athletic population. Dr. Ryan specializes in treating concussions, orthopedic injuries, injury prevention, nutrition, and training needs of athletes. She serves as Medical Director for MedStar Health Concussion Clinics.
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Mary Spare, NP-C
Ms. Spare has a clinical background in family practice and urgent care. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from University of Phoenix, Phoenix Arizona and her Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Chamberlain University Nursing, Chicago, Illinois. She is a member of American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
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Rachel Inman, CRNP-BC
Ms. Inman has a wealth of experience in the primary and urgent care settings. She received her undergraduate degree from Washington State University and holds a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where she was inducted into the National Honor Society.
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Daniel Pokrifka, LAT, ATC, ITAT
Daniel has more than 16 years of experience in sports medicine and injury prevention. He is a nationally Board-certified athletic trainer and member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and the Maryland Athletic Trainers Association. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, he has been a part of the development of injury prevention programs for Consol Energy Coal and Boeing Commercial Airlines. Daniel joined MedStar Health in 2020 from HeadFirst Sports Injury and Concussion Care where he served as program director.
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Arturo Miguel, PT, MPT
Artie is a graduate from Touro College in Long Island, NY where he earned a bachelor's degree in health science and master's in physical therapy. He also earned an MBA in Health Services Management at Hofstra University. Artie's rehabilitation specialties include:
- Concussion rehabilitation
- Falls prevention
- Neurorehabilitation
- Vestibular and balance
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Katie Parmentier, OTR/L, MOT
Katie attended University of Maryland at College Park and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She continued her education at Bay Path University and earned a master's degree in occupational therapy. Her rehabilitation specialties include:
- Concussion rehabilitation
- Neurorehabilitation
- Traumatic brain injuries
Patient stories
Insurance information
MedStar Health Concussion Clinic participates with most major health insurance plans. If you are unsure if your individual health benefits plan includes receiving in-network services from us, please call your insurance company.