When it comes to athletic injuries, few are as concerning in the long run as concussions. In decades past, when concussions were less understood, student athletes were routinely sent back on the field after a violent blow to the head if it didn’t appear to be debilitating at first glance. But in recent years, much has come to light about concussions and their aftershocks, and even if they don’t appear to be severe, concussions can still result in long-term problems if not properly addressed.

So, what is a concussion? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head. And they can occur many different ways, with the most common being sports or work injuries, falls, car accidents, etc. Someone suffering from a concussion may experience headaches, nausea or vomiting, balance problems or dizziness, double or blurry vision and an array of other symptoms.

That’s why Aultman Sports Medicine and AultWorks Occupational Medicine launched the Comprehensive Concussion Management program, which guides concussion patients through a careful series of evaluations and tests to ensure they recover with the best results.

The concussion program also places licensed athletic trainers in many local school districts and local sporting events – Aultman Sports Medicine is the “sports medicine partner” of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canton Charge. If one of these athletic trainers on the field or court sees evidence of a possible concussion, that trainer will work with physicians and concussion specialists to provide safe, effective post-concussion care and recovery before the athlete is allowed back on the field.

“Our athletic trainers pretest many of the kids to establish a baseline on all athletes at the high school level for certain contact sports – every football and basketball player, and many more,” said Matt Root, AT, director of Aultman Sports Medicine. In order to establish a baseline, healthy athletes undergo a computer-based clinical exam, which is used to evaluate normal neurocognitive performance – including reaction time, short-term memory, long-term memory and attention span.

This baseline paints a clinical picture of the athlete’s normal cognitive abilities before an injury, which can then be compared with post-injury results, allowing clinicians to see how the athlete is recovering and whether or not they have returned to their baseline.

Ultimately, a physician determines if they can go back to the sport or work. Those who are having signs/symptoms and have not regained pre-injury test scores continue to receive treatment until they can safely return to the sport or work.

To make an appointment for post-concussion evaluation or a baseline test, or for more information, please contact Aultman Comprehensive Concussion Management & Rehabilitation, located in the AultWorks facility at 4650 Hills & Dales Road NW in Canton, at 330-491-9675.