Concussion Assessment, Treatment, and Recovery
Know When to Seek the Right Care for a Concussion or Sports Injury
If you or a loved one experiences a concussion or sports-related injury, it’s important to know where to turn for the right care.
When to Visit the ER:
Seek emergency care immediately if you notice:
- Loss of consciousness.
- Severe headache that worsens over time.
- Persistent vomiting or nausea.
- Confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty staying awake.
For non-emergency care
Concussion management is a comprehensive approach used to assess, treat, and monitor individuals who have sustained a concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) often caused by a blow to the head or a sudden jolt.
At Amberwell Orthopedic Care, we bring specialized expertise and compassionate care to help individuals recover from concussions and other sports-related injuries.
Learn more about how Amberwell Orthopedic Care specializes in sports injury recovery. Visit our Orthopedic Care page.
Our dedicated team provides personalized, evidence-based treatment plans, including advanced tools like ImPACT® testing to evaluate cognitive function and guide recovery. Learn more about how ImPACT testing at Amberwell supports safe and effective concussion management.
Effective concussion management involves several key components:
- Recognition of Symptoms: The first step in concussion management is recognizing the symptoms, which can include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, balance problems, and memory difficulties.
- Immediate Evaluation: Healthcare professionals, often using standardized tools like the SCAT5 (Sports Concussion Assessment Tool), assess the severity of the injury on the sidelines or in a clinical setting.
- Neurocognitive Testing: Tools like ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) are used to evaluate the cognitive function of the individual. This includes assessing memory, attention, and problem-solving skills to determine the impact of the concussion on brain function.
- Physical and Cognitive Rest: Patients are advised to rest, both physically and cognitively, to allow the brain to heal. This often includes avoiding physical activities and reducing activities that require mental concentration, such as reading, using a computer, or watching TV.
- Gradual Return to Activity: Here we will use provided Amberwell guidelines
- Symptom Tracking: Regular follow-ups are conducted to monitor the persistence of symptoms. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, further evaluation is necessary.
- Neurocognitive Testing: Follow-up ImPACT tests or similar assessments may be used to track recovery and ensure that cognitive function is returning to baseline levels
- Stepwise Return to Play: For athletes, a stepwise return-to-play protocol is implemented, where the athlete gradually progresses through different stages of physical activity, only moving to the next stage if they remain symptom-free at the current level.
- Medical Clearance: Before returning to full activity or competition, an athlete must be symptom-free and obtain medical clearance, ensuring that the brain has fully recovered.
- Awareness: Education on the risks of concussions and the importance of reporting symptoms is crucial for athletes, coaches, parents, and healthcare providers.
- Prevention Strategies: Implementing rules and techniques to reduce the risk of concussions, such as using proper protective gear and teaching safe playing techniques, is also a key component of concussion management.
Overall, concussion management is designed to protect the health and well-being of individuals by ensuring that they receive appropriate care and do not return to high-risk activities until they have fully recovered.
Amberwell Orthopedic Care Locations
Amberwell Atchison
Hours
8am–4:30pm, Monday–Thursday
8am–4pm, Friday
Address
800 Raven Hill Drive, Suite 107
Atchison, KS 66002
Phone
913-367-6687
Fax
913-674-2047
Amberwell Lansing Clinic
Hours
By appointment only
8am-4:30pm, Monday–Friday
Address
1004 Progress Drive, Ste. 180
Lansing, KS 66043
Phone
913-297-3215
Fax
913-297-2732
Amberwell Hiawatha
Hours
By appointment only
8am-4:30pm, Monday–Friday
Address
300 Utah Street
Hiawatha, KS 66434
Phone
785-742-6286
Fax
785-742-6557
