Concussion Management

Southeast Georgia Health System’s certified athletic trainers offer a comprehensive approach to all aspects of concussion management and treatment, from baseline testing prior to an injury to concussion assessment once an injury has occurred. We also provide treatment, referrals, education and return to play and return to learn protocols. Our team of athletic trainers and sports medicine physicians have been treating and managing sports related concussions in Southeast Georgia for over a decade, and it is our goal to return your athlete to the game as quickly and safely as possible.

Need concussion management services? Call 912-466-5330

Concussion Management in St. Marys

How well you recover from a concussion determines your quality of life at home, work, school and sports – today and in the future. Your symptoms may be minor or serious, but one thing is certain: you need a doctor who understands how to help you heal. Our concussion management expert, Lindsey Sweat, M.D., is a certified ImPACT® consultant, which allows her to provide innovative concussion assessments.

Learn more about concussion management at Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery.

Services

ImPACT Testing

A computer-based exam, ImPACT software assists our athletic trainers and sports medicine providers in determining an athlete's ability to return to play after suffering a concussion. By completing six different exams consisting of immediate and delayed memory recall, reaction time and sequencing, each area of the brain is tested to determine healing progress. Baseline testing is administered pre-season; should an athlete endure a head injury, more tests are administered directly following that injury and during the healing process to track improvement.

ImPACT Testing Official Website

Concussion assessment and treatment

Our certified athletic trainers perform concussion evaluations to assess neurocognition, balance, coordination, reaction time and symptom severity. Utilizing the information gathered during the concussion assessment and ImPACT testing, our athletic trainers develop a personalized treatment and management plan, including recommendations for mental and physical rest. Appropriate prescriptions for exertional training and rehabilitation will be prescribed, and we will continue to re-evaluate your condition on a regular basis. Our athletic trainers are well connected with area physicians and other health care professionals, including pediatric neurologists, neuropsychologists and physical therapists; if you or your child is in need of a specialist, our concussion management team can refer you to the appropriate specialist based on your condition, progress and needs.

Education

Knowledge is key to understanding the management of concussions. Our athletic trainers work directly with community physicians concerning concussion diagnosis and treatment, as well as to implement return to play protocols for sports related concussion. Our athletic trainers also provide annual education on concussion recognition at Glynn County public schools and Frederica Academy. We educate parents and athletes on the risks of concussion, signs and symptoms and what to do if you think you, your child or a fellow athlete has a concussion.

Return to play and return to learn protocols

Our athletic trainers return athletes to competition as quickly and safely as possible through a graduated five step program. We also work with school nurses, guidance counselors and administrators to address your child’s needs in the classroom when returning to school following a concussion to enhance recovery.

Georgia’s Return to Play Act

Implemented in 2013, Georgia’s return to play act applies to school and recreational athletics for children ages 7-18. It requires schools and recreational facilities to provide parents and athletes with information regarding the nature and risk of concussion or head injury. The law also mandates that coaches receive education on concussion recognition.

When children are suspected of having a concussion, they must be removed from play until they are evaluated and cleared to return by a health care professional trained in concussion management. Whether you are a school or recreational sports team or club, the athletic trainers in our concussion management program can provide you with the services and tools you need to keep your children and your athletes safe.

Concussion facts

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally functions. Concussions are caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, but can also occur from a blow to the body causing the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Most concussions occur without the loss of consciousness; however, even what seems to be a mild bump on the head can be serious.

Concussion rates are on the rise and affecting younger athletes. Because concussions can have a more serious impact on a young, developing brain, they need to be addressed correctly, as the effects of a concussion can extend off the playing field affecting social and academic life as well. Children and teens with a concussion, or suspected concussion, should never return to sports or recreation activity on the same day. This practice will help to prevent second impact syndrome.

A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain fully recovers from a previous concussion is referred to as second impact syndrome. This injury can occur within weeks, days or even the same game as the initial injury. Second Impact Syndrome can slow recovery and increase the likelihood of having long term problems. In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in permanent brain damage or even death.

Did you know…

• 33 percent of all sports concussions happen at practice.
• One in five high school athletes will sustain a sports concussion during the season.
• High school athletes who have been concussed are three times more likely to suffer another concussion in the same season.
• Female high school basketball players suffer 240 percent more concussions than males.
• 90 percent of most diagnosed concussions do not involve a loss of consciousness.
• Cumulative concussions are shown to increase catastrophic head injury leading to permanent neurologic disability by 39 percent.

Concussion signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a concussion may appear immediately after an injury or may not appear or be noticed until days after an injury. Everyone’s concussion is unique and the timeline in which symptoms become apparent and heal are oftentimes unique as well.

Observed Signs

• Appears dizzy or stunned
• Confusion
• Forgets instruction
• Is unsure of game, score, opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
• Mood, behavior or personality changes
• Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
• Can’t recall events after hit or fall

Reported Symptoms

• Headache or “pressure” in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
• Trouble concentrating or remembering
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than normal
• Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”

If you, your sports team, organization or school needs athletic training services, call 912-466-5330.

Healthy Partners Articles

Concussion Care Close to Home

Healthy Partners, Winter 2022

No matter how you might experience a concussion, whether from playing sports or after an accident, how well you recover can impact your quality of life — now and in the future. Your symptoms may be minor or serious, but one thing is certain: You need a doctor who specializes in concussion treatment and understands how to help you heal. Until recently, that level of specialized care was only available in Savannah or Jacksonville. Lindsey E. Sweat, M.D., a board-certified family and sports medicine physician, now offers concussion management at Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery in St. Marys.

Read More