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Athletes are passionate about their sport. When they suffer a concussion, time seems to stand still until they can get back in the game.
At Spine center Atlanta, we understand this eagerness and put your health as our top priority. We help you safely return to your beloved activities after a concussion with professional evaluations and cognitive testing. Read on as we share more about concussions and return-to-play protocols.
Concussion Recovery Care for Athletes in Atlanta
Recovery from a concussion is as individual as the player and the extent of the injury. Customized concussion care plans include rest, slow resumption of activities, and keeping a close eye on any developing symptoms.
Atlanta athletes should monitor their health after returning by recognizing symptoms to watch for during return-to-play post-concussion.
Return-to-Play Protocol Guidelines
Although it’s difficult, getting back into sports should not be rushed after a concussion. Return-to-play clearance criteria were established as a baseline for safety, making sure athletes are neurologically intact and free of lingering symptoms.
Physical therapy plays a role in concussion return-to-play with exercises that help restore coordination, balance, and cognitive abilities.
ImPact Evaluation – How It’s Used Post-Concussion
At Spine Center Atlanta, ImPact evaluations are used as part of a comprehensive assessment strategy. ImPact testing helps determine sports readiness by comparing an athlete’s post-injury abilities to their baseline performance abilities. Ensuring readiness through proper testing helps prevent second-impact syndrome.
Risks of Return-to-Play Too Quickly
Jumping back into the fray too quickly can lead to serious consequences like second-impact syndrome, a fast, severe swelling of the brain. By carefully following the concussion return-to-play checklist provided by your doctor, increasing activity gradually, and monitoring symptoms, further complications can be avoided.
Return-to-Play FAQs
Q: How long does return-to-play take after a concussion?
A: It was previously believed that players could safely return after a couple of weeks. However, according to the National Institute of Health, the mean recovery time is actually 29.4 days.
Q: Is it safe to play sports after a concussion?
A: Once your physician has cleared you by following the safe return-to-play protocol, it is safe to hit the field again.
Q: What percentage of people fully recover from a concussion?
A: Most concussion sufferers, around 70-90%, recover fully.
Q: Does a concussion have lifelong effects on the brain?
A: For most people, there is no permanent impact on the brain. However, athletes who suffer multiple concussions or other head trauma can experience long-term neurological problems.
Conclusion
Adhering to return-to-play protocols under the watchful eye of a trained medical professional allows athletes to safely play again after a concussion.
Expert Impact Testing for Return-to-Sports at Spine Center Atlanta
Sitting on the sidelines after a concussion can be a real test of an athlete’s patience. But try to think of post-concussion cognitive testing as your teammate. ImPact testing confirms there is no long-term damage or serious symptoms preventing you from playing again.
When you’ve suffered a concussion, you want a professional to assess; not guess, when you’re ready to play again. The expert team at Spine Center Atlanta can help all athletes get the green light they’re waiting for with our advanced ImPact evaluation and testing.
Contact Us
Make return-to-play a reality at Spine Center Atlanta. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your personalized ImPact evaluation. Get back in the game with us – safely.
