KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A new neurology subspecialty clinic has opened in Knoxville focusing on concussion care, cognitive decline care and treating cognitive impairments. The clinic is named NPG Brain and Concussion.
Mark Hilinksi, a founder of the clinic, said he lost his son, Tyler, to suicide in 2018. He said a postmortem diagnosis showed that Tyler had Stage One CTE. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a kind of medical issue that usually develops from repeated concussions and brain injuries. In the first stage, symptoms usually include mild headaches and difficulty with concentration.
It's often diagnosed among football players.
“We can do a better job of diagnosing concussions, letting people come back to play when it’s appropriate, and avoiding some of these lifetime ailments,” said Hilinski.
Dr. Todd Abel is also a co-founder.
“Our goal is to use objective data to determine — when the concussion is not healed — when you should be careful with your activities, and really try and prevent or minimize a second or third concussion,” said Dr. Abel.
This clinic is equipped with neurocognitive tests and EEGs. It’s a one-of-a-kind clinic in the area, and it doesn’t just focus on concussions. The founders said it is open to everyone and can help treat a variety of medical issues.
“Also mild cognitive impairments, dementia, things shy of strokes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s,” said Mark Slaughter, a co-founder.
Slaughter said he hopes to expand the clinic and change the way healthcare is delivered for brain injuries and cognitive impairments. The clinic is located at 1400 Dowell Springs, Suite 130.