The Ochsner Concussion Management Program is the first of its kind in the Louisiana Gulf South region. Our program is designed to tailor rehabilitation to an individual's specific needs. Patients are assessed by board certified physicians experienced in the field of concussion management. Following evaluation and assessment, patients will receive prompt treatment, including medical care from a physician, ongoing services (e.g., serial assessment, concussion education, counseling, return to play surveillance, cognitive therapy) if neccessary, a referral to our extensive network of additional pediatric specialists and ancillary medical professionals. An individualized approach to developing an appropriate Return to Play protocol is emphasized.
Our program utilizes a state-of-the-art computerized neurocognitive assessment, called ImPACT. It is currently used in professional athletes including the NFL, NHL, NASCAR, professional boxing, and over 400 colleges and universities across the country. The use of computerized neurocognitive assessment enables our doctors to conduct a simple, 25-minute evaluation of an athlete's neurocognitive status ( i.e., memory, processing speed, and other related functions) following concussion. Athletes/patients in this clinic will also undergo a broader neurologic and physical examination in order to ensure that all the information needed for the proper evaluation and treatment of mild head trauma is obtained. The program's primary focus is on expediting the concussed athlete's safe return to the field of play using the most current, up-to-date guidelines in concussion management. In doing this, we aim to significantly reduce the athlete's risk of repeat concussion, prolonged recovery time, persistant, long-term neuro-cognitive deficits, and potential catastrophic events such as second - impact syndrome.
Multimedia
Dr. Karlin talks with WWL-TV and WGNO-TV about Concussions 101 and what parents need to know.
Watch a video interview with Dr. Karlin and learn more about concussion management and the ImPACT testing method. Click here to view.
Read more on the new Louisiana law that forces high school football coaches to increase their awareness of concussions.
Concussions: The LHSAA has notified the schools that CNN will air on Jan 29 at 7 pm a special on concussions in high school athletes on January 29, 2012 at 7:00 pm. (CST) called “Big Hits, Broken Dreams."
The following link that takes you to the CNN Web site for a short trailer on the presentation: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/sports/2011/11/11/gupta-big-hits-broken-dreams-trailer.cnn
