A concussion is a mild brain injury.
A personal plan should be developed based on symptoms and is designed to help speed recovery. Your careful attention to it can also prevent further injury.
Rest is the key. Athletes should not participate in any high risks activities, including sports, physical education (PE), riding a bike.
If you still have any symptoms it is important to limit activities requiring a lot of thinking or concentration (homework, job-related activities), as this can also make your symptoms worse.
Once symptoms are gone it is best to ease back into daily activities.
Children and teenagers will need help from their parents, teachers, coaches, or athletic trainers to help monitor their recovery and return to activities.
Red Flags
Call your doctor or go to the emergency department if you suddenly experience any of the following:
- Headaches that worsen.
- Seizures
- Neck Pain
- Very Drowsy
- Repeated Vomiting
- Slurred Speech
- Can't recognize people or places.
- Increasing Confusion
- Weakness or Numbness in Arms or Legs
- Increasing Irritability
- Loss of Consciousness
Athletes should never return to play if they still have any symptoms. Be sure you do not have any symptoms at rest and while doing any physical activity and/or activities that require a lot of thinking or concentration.
Follow Up/Return to Play
It is recommended that all athletes with concussions be cleared by a medical professional (physician, APRN, PAC or Athletic Trainer).
Treatment for any concussions is based on the athlete's symptoms and must be free of all symptoms.
If a concussion results in a loss of consciousness, the athlete must remain symptom free for one week at rest prior to beginning the gradual return to play program.
When applicable, the athlete must also pass any neurocognitive or ImPACT test prior to return to contact.
We specialize in concussion care and are Certified ImPACT Consultants, contact us to schedule an evaluation.
Hartford Hospital Rehabilitation Network/
MidState Medical Center Concussion Clinic
860.545.5107
860.545.5593 fax
1559 Sullivan Ave., Suite 208
South Windsor, CT 06074
445 South Main St.,
West Hartford, CT 06110
680 South Main St., Suite 204
Cheshire, CT 06410