Concussion Awareness & Treatment

Nearly 300,000 concussions are reported among student athletes each year in the United States. A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump, blow, fall, or sudden jarring of the head, disrupting the normal function of brain cells. Even a mild concussion can have serious effects, and it’s not just football players who are at risk. Athletes participating in soccer, basketball, and even volleyball contribute to the rates of concussions.

ImPACT Testing

From funds awarded from a Pennsylvania Department of Health grant, The Sports Medicine Center introduced ImPACT, a computerized 20-minute test to measure school athletes' brains pre-season, mid-season, and post-season. Targeted for those athletes in high-impact sports, the test can give attending doctors and trainers a clear guide to when it's safe for that athlete to return to his or her sport after a concussion.

Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Not “feeling right”

Suspect a concussion and seek medical attention if the athlete

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about an assignment or position
• Forgets an instruction
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows behavior or personality changes
• Can’t recall events that happened before the hit or fall
• Can’t recall events after the hit or fall