How Can a Sports Doctor Help You With Concussion?
By Essendon Sports Medicine Team
Concussions are a common and often misunderstood injury in sports.
Many athletes, both amateur and professional, underestimate the severity of a concussion, often dismissing it as a minor setback.
However, the implications of untreated concussions can be significant, affecting not only athletic performance but also long-term health.
This is where the expertise of a sports doctor becomes invaluable. Let's explore how sports doctors play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and managing concussions.
Understanding Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.
Even a seemingly mild hit can cause the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, leading to chemical changes and sometimes damaging brain cells.
Symptoms can vary widely, including headaches, confusion, dizziness, memory loss, and even emotional disturbances.
The Role of a Sports Doctor around Concussion In Melbourne
1. Accurate Diagnosis Of Concussion:
Sports doctors are trained to recognise the subtle signs of a concussion that others might miss. They use a combination of clinical evaluations, symptom checklists, and sometimes neuroimaging techniques to accurately diagnose the severity of the concussion.
Clinical Evaluations:
The first step in diagnosing a concussion is a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Sports doctors start by taking a detailed history of the injury, including how it happened, the immediate symptoms experienced, and any previous head injuries.
This information helps them understand the context and potential severity of the concussion.
Symptom Checklists:
Sports doctors use standardised symptom checklists to assess the presence and severity of common concussion symptoms. At the time of writing, the SCAT6 is the most common and up to date screening tool.
These checklists include questions about headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, balance issues, and emotional disturbances.
By systematically evaluating these symptoms, sports doctors can determine if a concussion is likely and how severe it might be.
Neuroimaging Techniques:
Although not always necessary, neuroimaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans may be used in certain cases.
These imaging tests can help rule out more serious brain injuries, such as bleeding or swelling, that might require different management. However, it's important to note that concussions typically do not show up on standard imaging tests, making clinical evaluations and symptom checklists critical.
Ongoing Monitoring:
Accurate diagnosis doesn't end with the initial evaluation. Sports doctors understand that concussion symptoms can evolve over time.
They schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the athlete's progress and adjust the diagnosis if new symptoms emerge or existing symptoms worsen.
This ongoing monitoring ensures that the diagnosis remains accurate and that the treatment plan is appropriate for the athlete's condition.
In conclusion, sports doctors use a multifaceted approach to diagnose concussions accurately. By combining clinical evaluations, symptom checklists, neurocognitive testing, and, when necessary, neuroimaging techniques, they ensure that concussions are identified and assessed with precision. This accurate diagnosis is the foundation for effective treatment and a safe return to sports.
2. Personalised Treatment Plans For Concussion In Melbourne:
Every concussion is unique, and so is its treatment. Sports doctors develop personalised recovery plans that may include rest, cognitive and physical therapies, and gradual return-to-play protocols. They monitor the athlete's progress closely to ensure a safe and effective recovery.
Rest and Recovery:
The cornerstone of concussion treatment is rest.
Sports doctors emphasise the importance of both physical and cognitive rest in the initial stages of recovery.
This means not only avoiding physical exertion but also limiting activities that require significant mental effort, such as reading, using electronic devices, or doing schoolwork. Rest allows the brain to heal and helps alleviate symptoms.
Gradual Return to Activity:
Once symptoms begin to improve, sports doctors implement a gradual return-to-activity protocol.
This process is carefully structured to ensure that the athlete does not return to play too soon, which could risk re-injury.
The protocol typically includes several stages, each with specific activities that the athlete can perform. The stages progress from light aerobic exercise to sport-specific drills, and finally, full participation in practice and games.
The athlete must be symptom-free at each stage before progressing to the next.
Physiotherapy for Concussion:
In cases where physical symptoms such as dizziness or balance issues persist, sports doctors may refer athletes to physiotherapists.
Physiotherapy can include vestibular rehabilitation, which focuses on improving balance and reducing dizziness, as well as exercises to restore strength and coordination.
This specialised therapy helps address lingering physical deficits and supports a full recovery.
Cognitive Rehabilitation:
Some athletes experience cognitive symptoms such as memory problems or difficulty concentrating.
Sports doctors may recommend cognitive rehabilitation, which involves exercises designed to improve cognitive functions.
These exercises can be done with the guidance of a cognitive therapist or through computer-based programs. The goal is to enhance cognitive skills and help the athlete return to their pre-injury level of functioning.
Symptom Management:
Sports doctors also focus on managing specific symptoms that can be particularly troublesome. For example, they may prescribe medications to alleviate severe headaches or recommend techniques to improve sleep quality. They also provide strategies to manage emotional symptoms such as irritability or anxiety, which can be common after a concussion.
Individualised Adjustments:
Throughout the recovery process, sports doctors make individualised adjustments to the treatment plan based on the athlete's progress.
This personalised approach ensures that each athlete receives the care they need to recover fully. It also addresses the unique challenges and needs of the athlete, whether they are a professional player or a young student-athlete.
In conclusion, sports doctors create personalised treatment plans that cater to the unique needs of each athlete with a concussion.
By emphasising rest, implementing gradual return-to-activity protocols, and incorporating physical and cognitive therapies, they ensure a comprehensive and safe recovery.
This individualised approach helps athletes return to their sport with confidence and minimises the risk of long-term complications.
3. Education and Prevention around Concussion in Melbourne:
A critical part of a sports doctor's role is educating athletes, coaches, and parents about concussion risks and prevention strategies.
This includes teaching proper techniques, recommending appropriate protective gear, and emphasising the importance of reporting symptoms immediately.
Teaching Proper Techniques:
One of the most effective ways to prevent concussions is to teach athletes proper techniques for their sport. Sports doctors work closely with coaches to ensure that athletes learn how to play safely. This includes teaching correct tackling techniques in contact sports like football and rugby, as well as proper heading techniques in soccer. By emphasising safe playing practices, sports doctors help reduce the risk of head injuries.
Recommending Protective Gear:
Appropriate protective gear is essential in minimising the risk of concussions. Sports doctors recommend and sometimes customise protective equipment such as helmets, mouthguards, and padding.
They ensure that athletes wear gear that fits properly and meets safety standards. For example, helmets should be certified by recognized organisations and properly maintained to provide optimal protection.
Sports doctors also educate athletes on the importance of wearing protective gear consistently and correctly.
Emphasising Symptom Reporting:
One of the biggest challenges in managing concussions is ensuring that athletes report their symptoms. Many athletes, especially young ones, might downplay or hide their symptoms to continue playing.
Sports doctors work to create a culture where reporting symptoms is encouraged and normalised.
They educate athletes, coaches, and parents about the importance of recognizing and reporting concussion symptoms immediately. This includes understanding that even mild symptoms can indicate a concussion and that early reporting leads to better outcomes.
Conducting Educational Workshops:
Sports doctors often conduct educational workshops and seminars for teams, schools, and sports organisations. These workshops cover topics such as recognizing concussion symptoms, the importance of immediate reporting, and the steps involved in concussion management.
By providing this education, sports doctors empower athletes and those around them with the knowledge needed to handle concussions effectively.
Developing Concussion Protocols:
To standardise concussion management, sports doctors help develop and implement concussion protocols for sports organisations.
These protocols outline the steps to be taken when an athlete is suspected of having a concussion, including immediate removal from play, medical evaluation, and the return-to-play process. Having a clear protocol ensures that everyone involved knows what to do, reducing the risk of mismanagement.
Collaborating with Schools and Teams:
Sports doctors collaborate with schools and sports teams to integrate concussion education into regular training programs. This collaboration ensures that concussion awareness is a continuous part of an athlete's education, not just something addressed when an injury occurs. By making concussion education an ongoing priority, sports doctors help foster a safer sports environment.
Using Technology for Education:
In the digital age, sports doctors leverage technology to enhance concussion education. They create online resources, such as instructional videos and interactive modules, that athletes, coaches, and parents can access easily. These resources provide up-to-date information on concussion prevention and management, making it easier for everyone to stay informed.
In conclusion, education and prevention are key components of a sports doctor's role in managing concussions.
By teaching proper techniques, recommending protective gear, emphasising symptom reporting, and conducting educational workshops, sports doctors help reduce the incidence of concussions.
Their efforts ensure that athletes, coaches, and parents are well-informed and prepared to handle concussions effectively, creating a safer sports environment for everyone.
4. Long-Term Management of Concussion In Melbourne:
For some athletes, concussion symptoms can persist, leading to a condition known as post-concussion syndrome. Sports doctors provide ongoing support and management strategies to help these athletes cope with long-term effects, ensuring they receive the necessary medical and psychological care.
Identifying Post-Concussion Syndrome:
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a condition where concussion symptoms persist for weeks, months, or even longer after the initial injury.
Symptoms can include chronic headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depression, and cognitive difficulties.
Sports doctors are trained to recognize the signs of PCS and distinguish it from other conditions that might present with similar symptoms. Early identification is crucial for effective management.
Comprehensive Medical Evaluation:
Managing PCS starts with a thorough medical evaluation. Sports doctors assess the athlete's symptoms, medical history, and any previous head injuries.
They may conduct additional tests, such as neurocognitive assessments and balance tests, to understand the extent of the symptoms. This comprehensive evaluation helps in creating an effective management plan tailored to the athlete's specific needs.
Multidisciplinary Approach:
Effective management of PCS often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Sports doctors coordinate with other healthcare professionals, such as neurologists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive care.
This team-based approach ensures that all aspects of the athlete's condition are addressed, from physical symptoms to emotional and cognitive challenges.
Symptom-Specific Treatments Of Concussion In Melbourne:
Sports doctors provide symptom-specific treatments to address the various aspects of PCS. For example, they may prescribe medications to manage chronic headaches or recommend vestibular therapy for dizziness and balance issues. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for athletes experiencing anxiety or depression related to their injury.
By targeting specific symptoms, sports doctors help athletes find relief and improve their overall quality of life.
Gradual Return to Activity:
For athletes with PCS, the return to activity must be carefully managed. Sports doctors develop individualised return-to-activity plans that consider the athlete's progress and symptom resolution. The plan includes gradual increases in physical and cognitive activities, with close monitoring to ensure that symptoms do not worsen. This cautious approach helps prevent setbacks and supports a sustainable recovery.
Education and Coping Strategies:
Living with PCS can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Sports doctors educate athletes about their condition, helping them understand their symptoms and what to expect during recovery.
They also provide coping strategies to manage daily challenges, such as techniques to improve sleep, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive functioning. This education empowers athletes to take an active role in their recovery.
Long-Term Follow-Up:
Ongoing follow-up is essential for athletes with PCS. Sports doctors schedule regular check-ups to monitor progress, adjust treatment plans, and address any new or recurring symptoms.
This long-term support ensures that athletes continue to receive the care they need as they recover. It also provides an opportunity to reassess and modify management strategies based on the athlete's evolving needs.
Support for Families:
PCS affects not only the athlete but also their family. Sports doctors recognize the importance of family support in the recovery process.
They provide education and resources to families, helping them understand the condition and how they can support their loved one. This support network is crucial for the athlete's emotional well-being and overall recovery.
In conclusion, long-term management of concussions, particularly for those with post-concussion syndrome, is a critical aspect of a sports doctor's role.
Through comprehensive medical evaluations, a multidisciplinary approach, symptom-specific treatments, and ongoing follow-up, sports doctors ensure that athletes receive the necessary care and support.
Their efforts help athletes navigate the challenges of PCS and work towards a full recovery, enabling them to return to their sport and daily life with confidence.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Concussions are not to be taken lightly. The expertise of a sports doctor can make a significant difference in diagnosing, treating, and preventing the long-term effects of this common sports injury.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a concussion, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Remember, the right care can pave the way for a safe and successful return to sports.