Concussion Care at Samaritan Athletic Medicine

 

Samaritan Athletic Medicine (The SAM) aims to return athletes back to sport safely and in a supportive environment.

Our Concussion Care Team

The SAM’s concussion care team includes sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers, and sport physical therapists. All members have received specialized training in concussion evaluation and management. The concussion care team treats athletes of all ages who participate in sports across all skill levels, including professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes.

 

After sustaining a suspected concussion, the SAM’s concussion care team collectively works together to ensure that each athlete receives high-quality, evidence-based care as soon as possible.

Sport-related concussion symptoms may include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to indoor lighting, sunlight, or loud noises
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Poor balance
  • Changes in sleep pattern

If you would like to schedule an evaluation for a suspected concussion, please email our concussion care team.

Supporting You From Evaluation to Return-to-Sport

Evaluating for Concussion

During your first visit, Samaritan Athletic Medicine’s concussion care team will evaluate you using the latest evidence-based information. Assessment may include:

A physician performs an eye exam to evaluate a patient for concussion.
  • Balance.
  • Eye tracking and vision.
  • Neck and spine integrity.
  • Cognitive function.
  • Memory.
  • Coordination.
  • Ability to perform sport-related physical activities.

Depending on your symptoms, additional testing may be indicated, including:

  • ImPACT testing
  • Computerized neurocognitive tests
  • Inner ear function
  • Advanced vision tests

Colorful graphic showing the brain inside of a skeletal image and a cut out close up of a synapse connection.

We individualize your plan of care based on your specific symptoms and needs. Treatment after a sport-related concussion may include:

  • Education on how to manage symptoms.
  • Medication and sleep aids.
  • Vestibular or visual interventions.
  • Balance exercises.
  • Physical activity guidelines.
  • Aerobic conditioning.
  • Strengthening exercises, when appropriate.

A silhouetted basketball player making a lay up.

The final step in the process is returning the athlete back to their sport. Throughout the athlete’s care, the SAM’s concussion care team will continuously re-evaluate and progress treatments, as indicated, to ensure that the athlete is ready and safe to return to sport, school and/or work, and their daily activities.

The team aims to support the athlete throughout the evaluation and rehabilitation.  The collaborative nature of the team permits constant communication between team members and the athlete. If you would like to schedule an evaluation for a suspected sport-related concussion, please email our concussion care team.

Connect With Us

Our concussion care team can provide you with more information and help you quickly access our concussion experts, including the area’s only credentialed Concussion Impact Consultant.

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