A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.
Anyone with a suspected concussion should be removed from physical activities until assessed by a medical professional such as a physician or athletic trainer. Emergent issues may arise over the first 24-72 hours. Patients should not be left alone during this time period, and you should go to a hospital immediately if the patient has:
To schedule an appointment with our concussion management specialists, call 785-233-7491.
Symptoms reported by patient:
Signs observed by others:
Most people with a concussion recover quickly and fully, most are recovered by three weeks. But for some people, symptoms can for longer. In general, recovery may be slower among older adults, young children, and teens. Those who have had a concussion in the past are also at risk of having another one and may find that it takes longer to recover if they have another concussion.
Thinking/Remembering
Physical
Emotional/Mood
Sleep
Unfortunately, there are no medications specifically for concussions. Most concussions will resolve with proper physical and mental rest. Your physician should be able to offer further guidance on returning to your regular activities. All imaging (X-rays, MRI’s and CT scans) appear normal in patients with concussions and are not always necessary.
Avoid activities that are physically demanding (e.g., sports, heavy housecleaning, working-out) or require a lot of concentration (e.g., sustained computer use, video games, talking on the telephone, texting, listening to music or watching television).
Symptoms may worsen when initially returning to school. Testing, classroom, and homework may need to be modified until fully recovered. Consider returning for half day initially, then progressing to full day. Parents should keep in close contact with student’s teachers to monitor progress.
Anyone with a suspected concussion should NEVER return to play on the same day of injury. It is critical to rest (mentally and physically) until ALL symptoms have resolved. Once all symptoms have resolved, may start the gradual return-to-play protocol below.
REST UNTIL ASYMPTOMATIC (may be 2-3 weeks). Then may progress through each step, which takes at least 1-2 days:
If any symptoms return during ANY step, the patient should rest for 24 hours, then restart the protocol with the previous step.