Concussion evaluation services with the
Institute for Sports Medicine
Recent legislation change in Illinois
Legislation recently signed by Governor Quinn makes it mandatory for all school boards in the state to work with the Illinois High School Association to develop clear guidelines to educate coaches, student athletes and their parents about the dangers and treatment of concussions and head injuries.
In concert with this legislation, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has approved a new policy regarding return to play guidelines after a student-athlete has been diagnosed with a concussion. The policy reads: “In cases when an athlete is not cleared to return to play the same day as he/she is removed from a contest following a possible head injury (i.e., concussion), the athlete shall not return to play or practice until the athlete is evaluated by and receives written clearance from a licensed health care provider to return to play.”
What is a concussion?
A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head. A concussion can have effects on an athlete's physical, cognitive and emotional functioning. Symptoms vary from person to person and can last from a few minutes to several months. The most common symptoms include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, difficulty concentrating, memory deficits, sleep disturbance and mood changes. While some children lose consciousness briefly at the time of injury, it is important to know that the majority of concussions do not involve any loss of consciousness. You do not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Read more about sports-related concussions.
The latest news on concussion management
Cynthia LaBella, MD, has provided testimony before the Chicago City Council in support of recently passed City of Chicago ordinance. Read Concussion crackdown passes Council committees by the Chicago Sun-Times. Dr. LaBella also contributed to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical report on concussion. Read Clinical Report: Sports-Related Concussion in Children and Adolescents from the AAP.
Read Concussions impact sports rules on the Medill Reports website and watch a video discussing the importance of neurocognitive testing.
Why is it important to have a concussion evaluated?
Symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and difficult to detect. These symptoms can interfere with a child's ability to function in school, at home or in sports. Appropriate evaluation and treatment of the symptoms of concussion is essential to ensure complete recovery and safe return to activities. A child who returns to activity before complete recovery from a concussion is at risk for prolonged symptoms. If a second head injury occurs before complete recovery from the initial concussion, permanent neurocognitive deficits can result.
What happens during an evaluation?
The evaluation is conducted by a pediatric sports medicine specialist and includes a comprehensive review of the athlete's injury and symptoms, a thorough physical and neurological examination, an assessment of functional balance, and an assessment of neuropsychological and cognitive functioning using ImPACT, a computer-based testing technique. Results of the evaluation are reviewed with the athlete and family. A treatment plan is provided, including management of symptoms and a timeline for return to sports and activities. Consultation with a neuropsychologist is available to assist with management of prolonged cognitive and emotional difficulties.
Read more about concussion (sports-related head injuries).
Read more about the
ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Testing) test
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)