Offices located in Southeast Florida and New Jersey
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dementia & Concussion Expert
Sports Concussion
Dr. Kutner provides Neuropsychological evaluation and consultation to athletes who have sustained a sports-related head injury. With growing concerns about the effects of concussions on the brain, accurate diagnosis and return-to-play decision making are critical to an athlete's long-term health. As neuroimaging (CTI and MRI) are not contributory in the majority of concussive cases, Neuropsychological assessment provides the best window into the brain.
Second opinions are routinely obtained in Sports Medicine, and are especially helpful for athletes who have had multiple concussions or who are concerned about return-to-play safety. Dr. Kutner specializes in making these recommendations in the best interest of the athlete. As is the case with many orthopedic injuries, athletes travel out of state to obtain a second opinion from a national recognized expert. Athletes travel to see Dr. Kutner to obtain an expert opinion after sustaining a sports-related head injury. Dr. Kutner evaluates professional, collegiate, and amateur athletes across various sports including Football, Boxing, Hockey, Rugby, Mixed Martial Arts, and other contact sports.
Dr. Kutner runs a private practice and is not part of any large hospital or health-care organization. Therefore, he has the flexibility to incorporate innovating testing procedures and is under no obligation to bring in unneeded testing or treatment to other specialists. Also, unlike other clinics, Dr. Kutner does not utilize tests that he sells, endorses, or owns any percentage of.
His selection of assessments is based on a Best-Practice Model.
Return-to-Play
Professional Athletes
The Return-to-Play decision is a critical issue as sustaining a head injury while still recovering from a concussion can result in long-term health risks. On the other hand, delaying return-to-play when not clinically indicated could needlessly affect reaching contract incentives. Athletes who have sustained a concussion should always return on a graduated basis, beginning with light exertion and systematically increasing activity before returning to full participation in the sport.
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For athletes who sustain numerous concussions, the question of when to retire may arise. With concerns of developing dementia, ALS, and CTE, professional athletes and/or their family members frequently have questions about risks to their long-term health if they continue to play. Athletes seeking an expert opinion can undergo a comprehensive Neuropsychological examination with Dr. Kutner and receive a recommendation to help them with the decision-making process.
Collegiate/High School Athletes
Family members of collegiate and high school students frequently have concerns whether a concussion is “one too many.” In other words, is the college or high school athlete at risk for long-term health problems if they continue to participate? With Dr. Kutner, athletes will undergo a thorough evaluation followed by a post-examination consult where test results and return-to-play recommendations will be reviewed in detail.
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Additionally, premature return-to-classes after a concussion can result in poor academic performance, which can affect the student’s GPA and potential for collegiate and post-graduate studies. Dr. Kutner will also determine when and how the athlete should best return to their studies.
Amateur Athletes
Amateur athletes (weekend athletes) should not return-to-work until they are cognitively ready to resume their position. Premature return to work can result in decreased job performance, which could possibly affect job security. Dr. Kutner will determine if the patient is cognitively ready to return-to-work and whether this should be on a full-time or gradually increasing basis. In certain cases, we understand that job security and financial factors may require an individual to return to work before they have fully recovered from their concussion. In these instances, we develop a cognitive remediation program and provide instruction in the use of effective compensatory strategies tailored specifically towards your work.
