Concussion Management and Treatments

Concussion Management Program

Approximately 75% of all head injuries are concussions, and the numbers are quickly growing. In the last decade alone, concussions increased 200% among teens ages 14 to 19. It typically takes two weeks for a youth's symptoms to resolve from a concussion. While loss of consciousness can be a symptom of a concussion, it is associated with fewer than 20% of concussions. For every age, early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to long-term brain health.

The Ochsner Concussion Management Program is the first and largest of its kind in the Gulf South dedicated to fast diagnosis and the best treatment available. Our group of board-certified physicians are specialists in concussion management with extensive training in sports medicine, sports neurology and traumatic brain injury. Patients can expect top-of-the-line assessments, immediate treatment, concussion education and ongoing services like serial assessments, counseling, return to play surveillance and cognitive therapy. At Ochsner, we’re committed to quickly and safely getting you back to your normal activities, whether that’s on the field or at a desk.

Team of experts

Doctors in the Ochsner Concussion Management Program have completed additional fellowship training in sports medicine, sports neurology, or traumatic brain injury, plus patients have access to an extensive network of pediatric specialists and other medical professionals.

Advanced procedures

Our program uses state-of-the art computerized assessments utilized in collegiate and professional sports to help measure cognitive function after a concussion. This along with other clinical tools help our physicians make the appropriate decisions regarding safe return to learn, return to work, and return to play. We are pushing the envelope and making sure that we keep ahead of the curve with the evolving technological landscape in concussion management.

Embedded in the community

The Ochsner Concussion Management Program partners with more than 45 high schools, colleges and recreational sports leagues across the state, working with over 5,000 athletes to provide computerized baseline ImPACT neurocognitive testing and continued care. Ochsner offers care for concussions at six Concussion Management Program locations across the greater New Orleans area.

Symptoms of a concussion may include:

Headaches
Nausea
Dizziness
Double vision
Forgetfulness
Emotional lability (extreme emotions)
Changes in personality
Sleep disturbance
Feeling slowed down
Balance issues
Sensitivity to light

Signs & Symptoms Observed of Patient	Symptoms Reported by Patient
Appears dazed or stunned	Headache or “pressure” in head
Is confused about assignment or position	Nausea or vomiting
Forgets sports plays	Balance problems or dizziness
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent	Double or blurry vision
Moves clumsily	Sensitivity to light
Answers questions slowly	Sensitivity to noise
Loses consciousness (even briefly)	Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
Shows behavior or personality	Concentration or memory problems changes
Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall	Confusion
Can’t recall events after hit or fall	Does not “feel right”

The Ochsner Concussion Management Program uses an innovative computerized neurocognitive test designed for athletes or individuals who are at risk for or have had a concussion. The program, called ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), involves a computerized exam that each athlete takes prior to the athletic season. This baseline test is administered at a sponsoring facility or taken individually in the office.

ImPACT evaluates and documents multiple aspects of neurocognitive functioning, including:

Verbal and visual memory
Brain processing speed
Reaction time
Post-concussive symptoms
Injury documentation system

If a person is believed to have suffered a concussion or head injury, the exam is retaken and the data can be compared to the baseline (initial) test. This information is then used as a tool to assist in determining the extent of the injury, monitor recovery, and aide in making safe return to play decisions. If an injury of this nature occurs, please contact the clinic regarding a post-injury evaluation and test.

Even if the athlete/patient has not had a baseline test, ImPACT testing can be performed after a blow to the head. The results, when compared to the norms for the patient's age group, are then used to aide in managing the athlete's recovery and eventual return to play.

To schedule an appointment for a pre-season baseline test or to be evaluated after a head injury, call 985-809-5800.

For more information on the ImPACT Management Program: impacttest.com

On June 29, 2011, the Louisiana State Senate passed the Louisiana Youth Concussion Act into law.
Louisiana is the 25th state to have a concussion law enacted, but the first state in the Deep South.

The Act states:

(1) Any player suspected of a concussion is removed from game or practice
(2) Player required to have written medical clearance from a medical professional, preferably trained in the management of concussion to return to practice and games
(3) Annual education and course completion requirement for public/private schools and recreational sports leagues/clubs

Read more on the new Louisiana law requiring high school football coaches increase their awareness of concussions.

The Future of Ochsner Neuroscience Institute

Ochsner Health is proud to announce the future new Robert J. and Debra H. Patrick Neuroscience Center. This 132,000-square-foot facility will soon be home to the nationally ranked Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, bringing 25 national renowned programs under one roof. This will be the only major neuroscience institute between Houston and Atlanta, serving as a catalyst for innovation in the field of neurosciences for the patients of the Gulf South.