Concussion Management


 

Prompt recognition of a concussion and immediate treatment of cognitive and physical rest are crucial to help with recovery.

That’s why the concussion experts at PPSM have developed this website to help offer information to recognize a concussion and to support physician guided recovery.

What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. There may be no visible signs of a brain injury. It is not always easy to know if someone has a concussion, you do not have to pass out (lose consciousness) to have a concussion. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. If you notice any symptoms of a concussion, contact your doctor.

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?
A variety of problems may occur after a concussion including: thinking, remembering, physical, emotional, and sleeping issues. See the attached check list of some possible symptoms.

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Headache
  • Seizure or convulsion
  • Dizziness
  • Balance problems
  • Confusion
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Feeling Slowed down
  • Drowsiness
  • “Pressure in head”
  • Blurred vision
  • Irritability
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sadness
  • Amnesia Fatigue or low energy
  • Feeling like “in a fog”
  • Nervous or anxious
  • Neck Pain
  • “Don’t feel right”
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Difficulty concentrating

PPSM’s Approach to Treating a Concussion

Do you believe you sustained a concussion? Performance Pain & Sports Medicine recommends seeing your primary care doctor within 48-72 hours, sooner if symptoms increase or loss of consciousness. The primary care doctor can discuss symptoms and help create a plan. After seeing your primary care doctor, see the team at PPSM to start post-concussion ImPact and OptoGait testing.

Initial treatment for a concussion is rest, both mental and physical. Rest allows the brain to heal. Do not participate in any activities that will exert your brain or body. Such activities may include:

  • Computer, phone, headphones, playing video games, loud music and TV
  • School, social gatherings, doing homework, reading and texting
  • Recess, working out, lifting, pushups, and sit-ups

Baseline Concussion Testing

The PPSM medical doctors, in the interest of in assuring proper concussion and injury management, are recommending that all athletes 10 years and older conduct a complete concussion assessment using ImPACT and OptoGait.

When given an ImPact test they receive FREE OptoGait and SCAT II concussion baseline tests – OptoGait is a biomechanic assessment which PPSM uses for baseline data in the event an athlete is injured/concussed. PPSM also uses this analysis system help pre-determine if athlete has right to left lower extremity imbalances that expose them to injury. The SCAT II test is a sideline test that you can give your child if you are to believe they are concussed. PPSM is the only medical facility in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that offers both assessments.

Post-Concussion Testing:

PPSM offers a complete post-concussion test which includes ImPact, OptoGait, and SCAT II tests to any person 10 years or older. Test also includes parent education, and RTP protocol guidelines.

Baseline test special $45 (valued at $120)
Post-Concussion test special $30 (valued at $90)

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