Sports Concussion Management Program

Concussions are different for everyone. That's why our sports concussion management program prioritizes not just the athlete's immediate health, but also their long-term well-being in sports and in life.

After being screened for a concussion expect the following:

Your next steps:

• Expect a call to schedule an appointment with one of our concussion experts.
• Our goal is to evaluate sports concussion patients quickly after diagnosis.
• Use our easy-to-follow Symptom Log Form to keep precise records of the symptoms experienced post-injury and bring it to your appointment.
• If the concussed individual experiences loss of consciousness, vomiting, or an uncontrollable headache, proceed to the emergency room immediately.

No two concussions are the same. We will perform a complete assessment to customize a personalized treatment plan for you.

How we can help you:

Concussions can severely affect your daily life. Our program helps athletes do the following things:

• Safely return to school in a timely manner.
• Safely return to learning with an outlined academic plan.
• Safely return to play after completing an activity-based protocol.

The key to success: Following a comprehensive care plan designed for a safe return.

What to Expect at BayCare:

• A customized care plan.
• Access to a team of experts who diagnose the type of concussion and tailor your care.
• A seamless, coordinated approach to your recovery.

Our Experts:

• Physical Therapist – Helps with focus, vision, balance, vestibular issues, and provides a graded exercise program for safe return to activity.
• Behavioral Health Specialist – Addresses psychological concerns such as anxiety and depression related to concussion.
• Neuropsychologist – Assesses how brain function affects behavior.
• Advanced Practice Provider & Primary Care Sports Medicine Specialist – Manages symptoms and focuses on movement and function for a safe return to play.

Services Offered:

Concussions are complex, and specific treatment is key to a safe recovery:

• Complete concussion assessment 
• Impact testing
• Vestibular screening
• Visual assessment
• Academic accommodations
• Individualized programming
• Behavioral health support

Why Choose Us:

• Personalized, comprehensive care plans
• Wide range of concussion treatment services
• A multidisciplinary team of specialists

Concussions Are Serious Injuries

According to the CDC, a concussion is a type of brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head—or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can make the brain bounce or twist inside the skull, creating chemical changes and sometimes stretching or damaging brain cells.
While concussions are classified as mild TBIs, they can cause chemical and metabolic changes that affect neurological function. Symptoms are usually temporary but can last weeks or months depending on severity and how quickly treatment begins.

Concussion Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms vary, but early recognition and management are critical to prevent long-term complications.

All concussions require specialized medical attention within hours to days after the injury or suspected concussion. While each concussion is different, Orthopedics & Sports Medicine BayCare Clinic provides tailored protocols for the concussed individual. Our concussion management program also coordinates multidisciplinary care with other professional partners to create a safe treatment plan that helps athletes return to school, resume learning, and, when ready, get back to play!