Concussion Centers
At PT Solutions, we see patients from all walks of life, from the professional athlete to the weekend warrior. Wherever you fall along that spectrum, you may be at risk for concussion, as they can happen to anyone anywhere, on or off the field. We recognize the need for concussion prevention and education in addition to treatment. That’s why we have concussion centers across the Southeast in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia as well as in Illinois and Kansas City, with dedicated private treatment rooms with modifiable light for patient comfort during treatment.
We also partner with the Concussion Legacy Foundation, a national leader in the study, treatment, and prevention of the effects of brain trauma in athletes. Our team of clinicians includes physical therapists and certified athletic trainers who use Concussion Legacy Foundation’s Team Up Against Concussions program to work directly with local high school and college athletes to help develop effective concussion protocols when brain injuries arise. Our trainers work with parents and local recreational teams all the way up to professional sport teams and their coaches to proactively educate athletes about concussion prevention and return to play protocols. Learn more about PT Solutions concussion advocacy and awareness initiatives below.
PT Solutions’ Dr. Dale Yake appears on 92.9 FM The Game to talk about concussion awareness and education as well as athlete safety on and off the field.
WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jot to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. The movement can disrupt the metabolic functioning of the brain, causing many of the common symptoms seen immediately after a hit. It is important for athletes to report concussions because the cumulative effects of repeated concussions can result in permanent intellectual and cognitive changes.
After experiencing a concussion, rest is the best treatment for the first 24 to 48 hours, as it helps the brain heal faster. If the athlete is still symptomatic, forcing him or her to heavily exert either physically or mentally early in the recovery process will likely lengthen the recovery period. This means abstaining from sports, as well as any other activities that require sustained mental exertion, from test-taking to playing video games.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION
Coaches or parents who notice any of the following signs – or if an athlete reports any concussion-like symptoms – should immediately remove the athlete from play and have him or her evaluated by a health care professional experienced in concussions.
Some athletes may not experience symptoms until hours or days after the injury. Most people will recover quickly and fully, but sometimes symptoms of concussion can last for days, weeks or longer.
Observed by Others
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment or position
- Forgets an instruction
- Moves Clumsily
- Answers Slowly
- Loses consciousness briefly
Observed by families
- Shows mood, behavior or personality changes
- Sleeping more than usual
- Answers questions slowly
- Trouble reading or completing homework
- Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
- Can’t recall events after hit or fall
- Complains of noises, lights or sunlight
Reported by Families
- Headache or pressure in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitive to lights or noises
- Dizziness, clumsiness, sleepiness
- Feels sluggish, hazy, foggy, groggy
- Attention or concentration problems
- Confusion or memory loss
- Just doesn’t feel right
Red Flags: When to seek emergency care
- Severe neck pain or tenderness
- Double vision
- Weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs
- Severe or increasing headaches
- Seizure or convulsion
- Loss of consciousness
- Deteriorating conscious state
- Vomiting
- Increasingly restless, agitated or combative
- Changes in behavior
- Excessive Drowsiness
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
After a concussion is identified, an athlete should be immediately removed from play for at least 24 hours and evaluated by an ATC or Sports Medicine Physician. If the individual is symptom free after 24-48 hours, he or she can typically initiate a graduated return to activity or return to play protocol. If symptoms persist, additional steps are often required.
- Athlete should be evaluated by a health care provider experienced in evaluating for concussions like a Sports Medicine Physician or Physical Therapist
- Your health care professional should provide any instructions or recommendations for school or work restrictions (when needed) while the athlete is recovering. The athlete should remain out of all physical activity until all symptoms have resolved. This includes any daily routine activities or physical education classes in school.
- It is best recommended that an athlete should be able to return to school/work before they begin a return to play protocol
- To address concussion symptoms at rest and with exertion and enable an expedited return to play or function, the athlete should participate in physical therapy at a specialized Concussion Center.
- Health care professionals should clear an athlete to return to play
- Most states require a gradual return to play process once a health care professional provides medical clearance
- Complete a gradual return to play protocol
- Return to play
If you believe you have suffered from a concussion, fill out the form to request an appointment today!
