Concussions are a widespread problem in all contact sports. The purpose of the Shannon Concussion Clinic is to assist area schools with proper concussion care and treatment for student athletes. The Brain and Spine Institute at Shannon and the Shannon Orthopedics and Sports Medicine departments have engaged in a universal treatment regimen for concussions among all Shannon providers, in addition to the clinic.
If your child or a student under your care sustained head trauma, time is of the essence. Call 325.747.2036 to speak to our concussion treatment team in San Angelo.
Testing
Shannon's Concussion Clinic strives to use the latest, most cutting-edge technology available today to help provide the highest level of care for your child.
At our concussion clinic, we utilize C3 Logix, a neurological assessment tool. C3 Logix provides the most comprehensive assessment available today!
The platform is available to the entire concussion treatment team of physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and coaches to work collaboratively in assessing and treating each individual. Utilizing a tablet, the program can be used directly on the sidelines by a certified athletic trainer or physician. A baseline measurement can be used or C3 Logix also has a large database of normal values if your child does not have a baseline test.
A treatment plan is then individualized to your child. C3 Logix helps to establish objective data to determine your child's readiness to return to the classroom and field of play.
The C3 Logix system originated at Cleveland Clinic's Concussion Center is now the standard for many NCAA Division 1 universities as well as the Department of Defense pilot programs. Shannon is currently the only Sports Medicine program in West Texas to offer this system to the athletes of our region.
Treatment
Treatment of a concussion involves eliminating certain activities that stress the brain and may vary for each individual. Treatment may include no texting, television, or video games along with modifications in the classroom setting. It is up to parents to make sure these rules are enforced at home as well. Individuals must be 100% recovered before being sent back to sports or the classroom. If they are not fully recovered, lifelong damage to the brain could result.
Signs Of A Concussion
Signs observed:
Appears to be dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignments
Forgets plays
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness (even temporarily)
Shows behavior or personality change
Forgets events prior to hit (retrograde amnesia)
Forgets events after hit (anterograde amnesia)
Signs reported by athlete:
Headache
Nausea
Balance problems or dizziness
Double or fuzzy vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling sluggish
Feeling "foggy"
Change in sleep pattern
Concentration or memory problems
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Although the majority of athletes who experience a concussion are likely to recover, an unknown number may experience chronic cognitive and neurobehavioral difficulties related to recurrent injury. Symptoms may include:
Deficits in short-term memory, problem-solving, and general academic functioning
This constellation of symptoms is referred to as post-concussion syndrome and can be quite disabling for an athlete. In some cases, such difficulties can be permanent and disabling.
In addition to post-concussion syndrome, suffering a second blow to the head while recovering from an initial concussion can have catastrophic consequences, as in the case of second impact syndrome, which has led to approximately 30 to 40 deaths over the past decade.
Our Leadership
Andrew King, DO, CAQSMProgram Medical Director
Shannon Sports Medicine provides on-site injury assessment when the team is present at sporting events. Parents in San Angelo may also seek concussion evaluation or treatment for their children by calling the clinic at 325.747.2036.
