For Medical Professionals
“A concussion changes the brain’s electrochemical ‘software’ function,” said Gerard Gioia, Ph.D., division chief of neuropsychology at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. “It produces physical, cognitive, and emotional signs and symptoms that can last hours, days, or even months.”
Clinicians play a key role in helping to identify, diagnose and manage concussions. Timely recognition and appropriate response is important in treating a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion. To learn more, visit the CDC Head's Up online training.
Individuals who sustain a concussion, including those who are not hospitalized or do not receive medical care, may experience long-term problems. Symptoms of a concussion may appear mild, but can lead to significant, life-long impairment affecting an individual's ability to function physically, cognitively, and psychologically.
Return to school/play management
When managing a student with concussion, a health care
professional’s management plan should cover both
returning to school and to play, and should:
• Monitor both physical and cognitive activities
• Consider concussion history
• And be individualized to the athlete
Remember, while most athletes will recover quickly and fully following a concussion, some will
have symptoms for weeks or longer. Health care professionals should consider referral to a
concussion specialist if:
1. The symptoms worsen at any time,
2. Symptoms have not gone away after 10-14 days, or
3. The patient has a history of multiple concussions or risk factors for prolonged recovery. This may include a history of migraines,
depression, mood disorders, or anxiety, as well as developmental disorders such as learning disabilities and ADHD.
Marin County Concussion Management Webinar
This webinar discusses the county-wide protocols to standardize the management of concussions in Marin County high school student athletes. Educational information regarding concussion diagnosis and care are also included. View the webinar here.
What is the goal?
The goal of this webinar is to educate physicians about the county-wide protocols for the management of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) or concussions across Marin County. The goal is to ensure consistent application of these protocols across the county.
Who is this webinar for?
The webinar is intended for all physicians who take care of school age students, including but not limited to adult and family medicine physicians, pediatricians, and emergency medicine physicians.