Concussion Management

Concussion management can be very complex; it’s more than just keeping a patient safe from further injury while the brain goes through its healing process. Management is proactive, which means trying to find out how the concussion is affecting each individual patient, so he or she can get back to the life they knew before the concussion.

With a student athlete, for example, the return-to-play decision is important. But we understand that “return-to-learn” and “return-to-life” decisions are just as meaningful and essential.

If you had a concussion and are experiencing lasting effects, it can be frustrating to have people think that you "look normal" when you want nothing more than to "feel normal" again.

In concussion management, the focus is on six key areas:

• Cognitive/fatigue (mental processes)
• Vestibular (balance/dizziness)
• Ocular (vision)
• Post-traumatic migraine
• Neck
• Mood/anxiety

At the initial clinic visit, your provider can often determine the target areas of concern. Together, you’ll design an action plan specific to you. The plan may include an outline of school accommodations, or referrals to other specialists such as a vestibular therapist to help you with dizziness/imbalance, a neuro-optometrist for vision problems, a chiropractor or neurologist. In some cases, medication may be needed.

The thing to remember is, the earlier you see a concussion management specialist after a concussion, the more he or she can positively influence your recovery.

Many athletes choose to undergo ImPACT testing prior to participating in sports. ImPACT is a 20-minute test that has become a standard tool used in the clinical management of concussions. Memory, impulse control and reaction time are measured.

If an athlete has a suspected concussion, ImPACT offers an accurate assessment of brain recovery, enabling a better and safer decision as to when an athlete can return to play. Optimally, after an injury, a post-injury test can be compared to a baseline test taken by the same individual prior to the beginning of the sports season. If there is no baseline, the post-injury results may be compared to national norms.

An ImPACT baseline test doesn’t reduce the chances of getting a concussion, but it can help assess injury in the event of a future concussion.