RESOURCES

what is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.

Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.

Doctors may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be serious.

  • Youth Concussion Info

    Signs, Symptoms, and Information about Concussions. This Informational sheet is Designed for Directors, Board Members, Coaches, Safety Agents, Parents/Guardians, and Volunteers, for the purpose of providing optimal safety for our JH youth athletes.

    Download Packet

  • HEAD INJURY PROTOCOL

    A flow chart for athletes, indicating the progression from injury to returning to play​. This is a good resource for parents and coaches.

    Download the Chart

  • Local Clinics

    A list of medical professionals who specialize in concussions. Serving Jackson, Teton Valley, ID, and surrounding areas.

    Connect Here

  • Testing

    Details about the major tests we use in our evaluations including the sideline tests and in-clinic tests.

    Read More

  • CDC Resources

    Center for Disease Control’s training and resources on concussion awareness at the following

    Read Here

  • Exercises

    Some simple exercises to do post-concussion injury. The “Pencil Push-up” and convergence tests to do at home after an examination.

    Download

you have questions & we have answers

 

What to do and when to do it

If Mild
It is a transient event, You will experience some dizziness and discomfort which typically lasts 7-10 days.
See our suggested Protocol List and at-home exercises Above.

Moderate > Severe
Symptoms WilL Often persist longer and may require you to seek out clinical attention.

 

Description of Concussion

Concussion has been defined as a complex pathophysiologic response to biomechanical forces imparted to the brain.

Risk of Continued Participation: A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first—usually within a short period of time (hours, days, or weeks)—can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in edema (brain swelling), permanent brain damage, and even death. are usually not life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be serious.

Kutcher, JS and Giza, CC.
Sports Concussion Diagnosis and Management.

We test Clinically using baseline & post-injury tests

Through these tests, we can get a lot of information on how to treat, or where to refer.

  • KING-DEVICK/KD BALANCE - pre-season baseline and post-injury Tool.

  • BESS — a quick and objective measure of balance after a concussion.

  • DIX-HALL PIKE - diagnose a kind of vertigo called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

  • VOMS — smooth pursuits, saccades, convergence, vestibular-ocular reflex, visual motion sensitivity testing.

  • Buffalo - Concussion Treadmill Test

  • OBSERVATION - light sensitivity, noise sensitivity increased anxiety and cognition.

 

STATS

  • 22% OF HEAD INJURIES ARE SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS OR CLINICAL SIGNS OF CONCUSSION

  • Snowboarders have a 50% higher rate of head and neck injury as compared to skiers

  • HEAD INJURIES ACCOUNT FOR UP TO 20% of SNOWBOARDING RELATED INJURIES IN NORTH AMERICA ANNUALLY.

- US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health

 

We’re here to help answer your questions.