Concussions are a serious concern at all levels of sport. The purpose of
the Shannon Concussion Clinic is to assist area schools with proper concussion
care and treatment for student athletes.
The Brain and Spine Institute at Shannon, Shannon Orthopedics and the Sports
Medicine departments have engaged in a universal treatment regimen for
concussions among all Shannon providers, in addition to the clinic.
If your child or a student under your care sustained head trauma, time
is of the essence. Call
325.747.2036 to speak to our concussion treatment team in San Angelo.
Testing
Shannon's Concussion Clinic strives to use the latest, most cutting-edge
technology available today to help provide the highest level of care for
your child.
At our concussion clinic, we utilize C3 Logix, a neurological assessment
tool. C3 Logix provides the most comprehensive assessment available today!
The platform is available to the entire concussion treatment team of physicians,
physical therapists, athletic trainers, and coaches to work collaboratively
in assessing and treating each individual. Utilizing a tablet, the program
can be used directly on the sidelines by a certified athletic trainer
or physician. A baseline measurement can be used or C3 Logix also has
a large database of normal values if your child does not have a baseline test.
A treatment plan is then individualized to your child. C3 Logix helps to
establish objective data to determine your child's readiness to return
to the classroom and field of play.
The C3 Logix system originated at Cleveland Clinic's Concussion Center
is now the standard for many NCAA Division 1 universities as well as the
Department of Defense pilot programs. Shannon is currently the only Sports
Medicine program in West Texas to offer this system to the athletes of
our region.
Treatment
Treatment of a concussion involves an initial period of relative rest (24-48
hours) follow by symptom-limited cognitive and physical activity. System-tolerated
aerobic exercise treatment and clinician directed activities may be appropriate.
A return-to-play (RTP) and return-to-learn (RTL) strategy will be implemented.
It is important to allot time to heal. Another concussion sustained while
the brain is healing can result in long-term problems or even death in
rare cases.
Signs Of A Concussion
Signs observed:
Appears to be dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignments
Forgets plays or instruction
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness (even briefly)
Shows behavior or mood changes
Forgets events prior to injury (retrograde amnesia)
Forgets events after injury (anterograde amnesia)
Signs reported by athlete:
Headache or pressure in head
Nausea or vomiting
Balance problems or dizziness
Double or fuzzy vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling sluggish
Feeling "foggy"
Change in sleep pattern
Concentration or memory problems
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Although the majority of athletes who experience a concussion are likely
to recover, an unknown number may experience chronic cognitive and neurobehavioral
difficulties related to recurrent injury.
Symptoms may include:
Deficits in short-term memory, problem-solving, and general academic functioning
This constellation of symptoms is referred to as post-concussion syndrome
and can be quite disabling for an athlete. In some cases, such difficulties
can be permanent and disabling.
In addition to post-concussion syndrome, suffering a second blow to the
head while recovering from an initial concussion can have catastrophic
consequences, as in the case of second impact syndrome.
Shannon Sports Medicine provides on-site injury assessment when the team
is present at sporting events. Parents in San Angelo may also seek concussion
evaluation or treatment for their children by calling the clinic at
325.747.2036.
