Dr. Kirk has expertise and experience in working with children, adolescents, and young adults who have sustained sports-related concussions. Through the use of neuropsychological tests which measure memory, attention, processing speed, and reaction time, Dr. Kirk will work with your treating physician to determine when it is safe to return to physical activity.
Are concussions common in sports?
- 1 out of 10 high school athletes who participate in contact sports will sustain a concussion each season.
- It is estimated that up to 20% of high school football players will sustain a concussion per season.
- Younger athletes are at a higher risk for sustaining a concussion.
What is a concussion?
- A concussion occurs when there is a physical blow to the body or head causing an injury to your brain.
- Shortly after a concussion, the athlete may experience many cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms.
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
- Appears dazed or confused
- Answers questions slowly
- Personality/behavior change
- Forgets plays prior to hit
- Forgets plays after hit
- Anterograde amnesia (not clearly recalling events after concussion)
- Loss of consciousness
- Persistent headaches
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Balance difficulties
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light and/or sounds
- Feeling sluggish or foggy
- Changes in sleep pattern
- Memory and/or attention problems
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What are the risks of returning too soon after a concussion?
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- You should never return to physical exertion while your brain is still healing.
- Even after a mild concussion, if an athlete returns to physical exertion while still recovering, s/he is at significant risk for permanent brain injury, coma, or death.
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Second Impact Syndrome occurs when an athlete sustains a second concussion while still recovering from a previous concussion
- Athlete returns to competition before resolution of post-concussive symptoms
- A catastrophic increase in intracranial pressure occurs leading to massive brain swelling and potentially death
- Most often occurs in athletes less than 21 years-old
- Second Impact Syndrome has been shown to occur up to 14 days post-injury
What should I do if my child sustains a concussion?
- After a suspected concussion, your child should always be evaluated by a physician.
- Depending on the severity of your child's injury and symptomatic presentation, your physician may order neuroimaging procedures (i.e, MRI or CT scans).
- It is very important to rest when one is recovering from a concussion; however, children should try and continue with their academic schedule with accommodations and modifications as needed.
- If your child's post-concussive symptoms are lasting more than 2 weeks and/or they are struggling at school, they should be referred to a pediatric neuropsychologist.
- If your child has a history of multiple concussions, they should be referred to a pediatric neuropsychologist.
- Once you child is no longer reporting post-concussive symptoms and they are able to engage in physical exertion without a return of symptoms, they may be cleared by their treating physician. However, please keep in mind that every concussion is different and every child is different, therefore following up with medical professionals is very important before returning any child to play.
- Also keep in mind when returning to play that wearing proper protective equipment can decrease the likelihood and severity of concussions.
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