520 Superior, Suite 205, Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 764-1843
We are a caring, collaborative team dedicated to efficiently diagnosing and treating concussion and traumatic brain injury using the latest research and medical advancements. Our goal is to restore optimal function, reduce persistent symptoms, and safely return individuals to their regular activities, including work, academics, exercise, and sport.
Effective brain injury care requires multidisciplinary coordination. At Hoag, our team includes experts in neurology, psychiatry, neuropsychology, nursing, and rehabilitation. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, patients receive a customized treatment plan that integrates physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral support. We recognize that no two injuries are alike, and our team works together to provide holistic, patient-centered care.
Concussions can happen to anyone at any time, whether you're going about your daily activities or participating in sports. Learn to recognize the early signs and symptoms and wear the appropriate protective gear when playing contact sports.
Dr. Ly earned his medical degree from Chicago Medical School. He completed his neurology residency at Los Angeles General Hospital–University of Southern California Medical Center and completed a neurophysiology fellowship at USC University Hospital.<br><br>Dr. Ly directs the Neurophysiology and Epilepsy testing services at Hoag Hospital and brings an integrated approach to field epilepsy and seizure disorders. He works with a multidisciplinary team at the Hoag Epilepsy Center to provide an individualized comprehensive plan to the evaluation, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatments of epilepsy.<br><br>Dr. Ly also provides extensive experience and expertise in the area of neurodiagnostic testing. This includes electromyelography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) for the diagnosis and treatment of nerve and muscle disorders. In addition, he leads a team in providing Intraoperative Monitoring (IOM) services during spine and brain surgeries to preserve and minimize neurological damage after surgery.<br><br>Dr. Ly has served as a delegate for the American Academy of Neurology’s Neurology on the Hill in Washington D.C., which afforded him the opportunity to develop working relationships with members of Congress and fellow neurologists.<br><br>Dr. Ly also donates his professional talent to charitable organizations and has provided services to local community health clinics. He is a member of many professional associations including American Academy of Neurology, Association of California Neurologists and the American Medical Association.<br><br>He has participated in many research studies including investigational device and medication trials for seizures. He has been an active researcher involved in clinical trials in neuromuscular diseases including neuropathy and myasthenia gravis.<br><br>Dr. Ly is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He currently serves as a member of a Neurohospitalist team available for identification and evaluation of acute neurological disorders at Hoag Hospital.
Nurse Practioner Concussion Program
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Contact usA concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body. The force of impact causes the brain to move within the skull, which can disrupt normal brain function. While concussions are considered “mild” TBIs, the effects can still be serious and require careful medical attention.
Common causes include:
Sports and recreational injuries
Falls or accidents
Motor vehicle collisions
Military or combat injuries
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury occurring when there is a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move or twist inside the skull. This brain movement causes chemical and physiologic changes that can affect how brain cells work and communicate, resulting in a wide variety of concussion symptoms. 70% of people with a concussion recover completely within 4 weeks, while 30% take longer.
Symptoms vary, but can include:
Confusion
Headache
Double or blurry vision
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Difficulty concentrating
Mental fogginess
Sensitivity to light/noise/busy environments
Sleep disturbances
Symptoms can occur right after the concussion, but can also take several days to come on.
If you observe any of the following red-flag concussion symptoms, please go to an Emergency Department immediately for a medical evaluation:
Loss of consciousness
Seizures or convulsions
Repeated vomiting or nausea
Increasing confusion or dizziness
Drowsiness or inability to waken from sleep
Pupils that are unequal in size
Slurred speech
Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
Clear, watery discharge from the nose or ears, or bloody discharge from the ears
Severe or worsening neck pain
If you think you have had a concussion, you should contact your healthcare provider or go to Urgent Care for follow-up. Only a healthcare provider can diagnose a concussion. If you had a loss of consciousness with your concussion, you should seek emergency care. If you have been diagnosed by a healthcare provider with a concussion, you may need a referral to a neurologist for management or physical therapy for concussion rehabilitation.
It’s important to see a specialist if you think you have a concussion to get a proper diagnosis. While most concussion symptoms may be resolved or relieved within two weeks, a specialist can help determine the best treatment for optimal recovery.
A concussion is a mild brain injury that temporarily affects how your brain functions. Most people recover fully within a few weeks with proper care. Here’s what you need to know:
Rest for 24–48 hours: Limit physical and mental activity briefly, but complete bed rest is not needed.
Gradually resume activity: After 48 hours, slowly return to normal activities like walking, reading, or light chores—just avoid anything that makes symptoms significantly worse.
Use symptoms as a guide: It’s normal for symptoms (like headache, dizziness, or fatigue) to increase a little with activity.
Avoid high-risk activities: No contact sports, heavy lifting, or risky environments until cleared by a healthcare provider.
Sleep is essential: Keep a regular sleep schedule and avoid naps during the day after the first 48 hours.
Eat well and stay hydrated: Nutritious food and hydration support brain healing.
Follow up: Attend all scheduled appointments. Seek medical attention if symptoms suddenly worsen.
Recovery takes time, but with the right care and pacing, most people return to their normal lives safely.
After the initial rest period, gradual return to normal daily activities is key—even if some symptoms persist. Light physical activity, such as walking or gentle stationary cycling, can actually promote faster recovery. Research shows that people who start light exercise 48 hours after a concussion recover about 2 to 3 days faster than those who stay completely inactive.
At Hoag, every concussion evaluation begins with a thorough assessment by a healthcare provider trained in concussion management. Your provider will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform targeted exams to evaluate cognitive function, balance, coordination, and neurological health.
Based on your needs, you may be referred to physical therapy for concussion rehabilitation, which can include guided exercises to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and safely reintroduce activity. In some cases, a neuropsychological evaluation may be recommended to assess memory, attention, and other cognitive skills. This testing provides valuable insight into how the brain is functioning after injury and helps guide individualized treatment and recovery planning.
The goal of every assessment is to create a safe, personalized plan to support recovery and ensure a gradual, healthy return to school, work, sports, and daily life.
A concussion can temporarily affect sleep, appetite, energy, and focus.
Resume typical activities gradually and in a tolerable way.
Physical activities (e.g., walking, light cardio) lead to physical fatigue.
Mental activities (e.g., reading, screen use, conversation) cause cognitive fatigue.
Use your symptoms as a guide, understanding that concussion symptoms may temporarily worsen during physical or cognitive exertion. This is a normal part of recovery. Symptom exacerbation during activity is expected and does not necessarily indicate structural damage — it simply signals the need for a short rest or adjustment in intensity
Both types of fatigue—when well-paced—can promote better sleep at night
Strenuous activity and return to sport should only be done with clearance from your physician or concussion specialist
Remember:
Return to school, work, or sport should be guided by a healthcare provider.
Avoid naps after the first 48 hours unless medically advised.
Gradual reintroduction of light and sound exposure helps the brain adapt.
Quality sleep is one of the most powerful tools for brain recovery.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury occurring when there is a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move or twist inside the skull. This brain movement causes chemical and physiologic changes that can affect how brain cells work and communicate, resulting in a wide variety of concussion symptoms. 70% of people with concussion recover completely within 4 weeks, while 30% take longer.
Symptoms vary, but can include confusion, headache, double or blurry vision, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, difficulty concentrating, mental fogginess, sensitivity to light/noise/busy environments, and sleep disturbances. Symptoms can occur right after the concussion but can also take several days to come on
Symptoms can occur right away, within 24-48 hours, or sometimes weeks later. If you are experiencing concussion symptoms after a jolt or bump to your body or head, then you should urgently see a healthcare provider for assessment for concussion.
If you think you have had a concussion you should contact your healthcare provider or go to Urgent Care for follow-up. Only a healthcare provider can diagnose a concussion. If you had a loss of consciousness with your concussion, you should seek emergency care. If you have been diagnosed by a healthcare provider with concussion, you may need referral to a neurologist for management or physical therapy for concussion rehabilitation.
Relative rest is recommended for the first 48 hours after concussion. You may limit activities that make your symptoms worse, and you should avoid vigorous exercise or participating in sports. You may watch television, use your phone/tablet, read, play video games, read, listen to music/podcasts, and do schoolwork to tolerance. After 48 hours, it is important to do gentle exercise like walking in the neighborhood or on the beach and resume a more normal routine to tolerance. You may experience increased concussion symptoms with this. This is common and usually decreases over days or weeks as you resume your normal routine.
Most people with concussion recover within 3-4 weeks. Some people take longer (1-3 months). A history of previous concussion, migraines, and learning disabilities can make recovery take longer.
Post-concussion syndrome is a concussion with symptoms lasting longer than 6-8 weeks. Persistent post-concussion syndrome is diagnosed when symptoms last longer than 3 months after the injury.
If you have been diagnosed with a concussion, you should work with your healthcare team (neurologist/concussion specialist physician, physical therapist, athletic trainer) to determine how to progress your exercise and practice intensity. To return to school or sport, you should be symptom free and cleared by a physician, nurse, or physician’s assistant.
Concussions can affect attention, reaction time, depth perception, memory, and insight. Returning to driving too soon might not be safe. Because driving is such a complex activity, it is important not to return to driving too soon to promote the safety of the driver and the public. Waiting 1-2 days to drive is prudent. Consult your healthcare provider regarding resuming driving if your symptoms persist as it is such an individual determination.
Hoag Concussion and Mild TBI Program
Dr. Ly earned his medical degree from Chicago Medical School. He completed his neurology residency at Los Angeles General Hospital–University of Southern California Medical Center and completed a neurophysiology fellowship at USC University Hospital.<br><br>Dr. Ly directs the Neurophysiology and Epilepsy testing services at Hoag Hospital and brings an integrated approach to field epilepsy and seizure disorders. He works with a multidisciplinary team at the Hoag Epilepsy Center to provide an individualized comprehensive plan to the evaluation, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatments of epilepsy.<br><br>Dr. Ly also provides extensive experience and expertise in the area of neurodiagnostic testing. This includes electromyelography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) for the diagnosis and treatment of nerve and muscle disorders. In addition, he leads a team in providing Intraoperative Monitoring (IOM) services during spine and brain surgeries to preserve and minimize neurological damage after surgery.<br><br>Dr. Ly has served as a delegate for the American Academy of Neurology’s Neurology on the Hill in Washington D.C., which afforded him the opportunity to develop working relationships with members of Congress and fellow neurologists.<br><br>Dr. Ly also donates his professional talent to charitable organizations and has provided services to local community health clinics. He is a member of many professional associations including American Academy of Neurology, Association of California Neurologists and the American Medical Association.<br><br>He has participated in many research studies including investigational device and medication trials for seizures. He has been an active researcher involved in clinical trials in neuromuscular diseases including neuropathy and myasthenia gravis.<br><br>Dr. Ly is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He currently serves as a member of a Neurohospitalist team available for identification and evaluation of acute neurological disorders at Hoag Hospital.
Concussion Program Navigator
Nurse Practioner Concussion Program