Concussion FAQ
"Keeping Your Life in Balance"
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Recognizing a Concussion.
Proper care when a concussion first occurs can help prevent further injury. It is vital that parents and coaches can identify athletes experiencing the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
If a concussion is suspected, remove the athlete from play and seek medical attention.
It is not uncommon for initial symptoms to resolve, only to return when the athlete exerts him/herself mentally and/or physically. It is essential for a medical professional experienced in concussion management to assess the athlete’s balance and cognition.
Recognize Concussion Symptoms.
| Thinking Processes | Physical Indications | Emotional Evidence | Sleep Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty Thinking | Headache | Irritability | Sleeping more than usual |
| Feeling Slow or Sluggish | Nausea, Vomiting, Dizziness | Sadness | Sleeping less than usual |
| Difficulty Concentrating | Light or Noise Sensitivity | Nervousness | Difficulty sleeping |
| Difficulty Remembering | Feeling tired | Anxiety |
What to do if an athlete has a concussion.
- Remove the athlete from play and seek medical attention.
If a concussion is suspected, do not try to judge the severity of the injury. Instead, consult a medical professional. Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury until a medical professional or concussion specialist clears the athlete to resume play. - Rest
Rest is key to helping an athlete recover from a concussion. Exercising or activities that involve a great deal of concentration may cause concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse. - Follow up
Concussions affect people differently. While some athletes with a concussion recover quickly and fully, others will have symptoms that last for days or even weeks. A more serious concussion can last for months or years.
It is important to consult a professional trained in concussion management in order to determine the severity of the concussion and the appropriate steps needed for a full recovery.
Why should an athlete consult with a concussion specialist?
If an athlete has a concussion, his/her brain needs time to heal. While an athlete’s brain is still healing, he/she is much more likely to have another concussion.
Concussion specialists will customize a supervised “return to play” program for the athlete, a step-by-step progressive rehabilitation process to take athletes from recovery to normal physical activities.
Repeat concussions can increase the time it takes to recover, and in rare cases, can result in brain swelling or permanent brain damage and possible fatality.
What to do before a concussion.
A pre-injury baseline assessment is an important component in determining the extent of a head injury in the unfortunate event that one should happen. The assessment captures a snapshot of an athlete’s balance and thought process using a force plate system and cognitive assessment.
What to do after a concussion.
When a concussion does occur, remove the athlete from play and consult a medical professional.
Concussion specialists can determine the severity of the concussion and improve the effectiveness of treatment and care by comparing how a person’s balance and thought process has changed as a result of the head injury. A baseline assessment conducted prior to the injury is used as a model of the person’s prior health.
Tackle Concussions Head-On.
- Baseline Assessment: $20
- Baseline Fall Risk Assessment: $30
Call (315) 737-2246 for more information.
Sitrin’s concussion management staff complies with CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations for baseline testing. Visit the CDC website for more information about baseline tests.
