Concussion Care

Although concussions may show no visible sign, they can cause cognitive, physical and emotional symptoms, including confusion, vomiting, headache, nausea, depression, disturbed sleep, moodiness and amnesia. However, even when the symptoms of a concussion disappear, the brain injury can have significant consequences in both the short and long term, including problems with memory and communication, personality changes and even death.

The tragic consequences of concussions among professional athletes have been making headlines in recent years. However, as media attention on concussions has escalated, the risks and dangers remain the same — not only for professional and collegiate athletes, but for children and recreational athletes as well.

Marshall Sports Medicine Institute’s staff has made staying on the leading edge of concussion prevention, management and research a priority. Our Pediatric Concussion Clinic has long provided comprehensive treatment for concussion as well as computerized testing to monitor patients and track their conditions. from Marshall Health who use advanced on-site testing and treatment designed for grade school athletes to senior adults.

The field of sports medicine has developed techniques to effectively assess the severity of brain injuries, including ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment & Cognitive Testing) and C3 Logix. Dr. Greg Hendricks and Dr. Andy Gilliland, both primary care sports medicine and Marshall Athletics team physicians, offer concussion evaluations for athletes at the high school and collegiate level and beyond. Both physicians are recognized by ImPACT as Credentialed ImPACT Consultants (CIC) and Passport providers. Dr. Hendricks and Dr. Gilliland also offer pre-season baseline and follow-up concussion testing for athletes ages 13 and older.

To schedule a concussion baseline or testing, call 304.691.1880. Walk-ins welcome.

According to the CDC, in 2019, about 15% of all U.S. high-school students self-reported one or more sports or recreation-related concussions within the preceding 12 months. A few of the symptoms indicating an athlete may be suffering from a concussion include confusion, memory loss, slower reaction times and dizziness.

ImPACT

ImPACT is the most widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. It provides trained clinicians with neurocognitive assessment tools that have been medically accepted as state-of-the-art best practices as part of determining safe return-to-play decisions. ImPACT measures many aspects of cognitive functioning in athletes, including:

• Attention span
• Working memory
• Sustained and selective attention time
• Non-verbal problem solving
• Reaction time

ImPACT is typically administered before an injury to establish a baseline report on an athlete. If a concussion is suspected later on, the athlete takes ImPACT again, and the results of both baseline reports are compared to assess potential changes or damage and determine the best plan of care.