A collision on the basketball court. A helmet-to-helmet tackle. A fall on the soccer field.

All are common occurrences in youth sports – all can result in a concussion.

Appropriate identification and management of concussions are vital to preventing further and more serious injury.

Our Sports Concussion Team, which includes specialists from pediatric sports medicine, orthopaedic surgery and neuropsychology, has the specialized training, experience and technology to diagnose, manage and treat sports concussions.

Most athletes who suffer concussions make a full recovery, but there are some who experience chronic cognitive and behavioral difficulties because they returned to action before they were completely healed. These athletes are significantly vulnerable to future concussions and possibly a more severe and permanent injury.

The Sports Concussion Team offers pre-season baseline assessments to teams throughout Northeast Ohio to ensure that no student athlete returns to their sport before they are ready. This combination of questionnaires and computerized tests measure a number of basic cognitive functions and are given before the season starts. If an athlete should suffer a concussion during the season, they are given a second test and the results are compared to the original test to gauge whether or not brain functions have returned to their pre-season level.

Baseline assessments are available to schools, club sports, teams and individuals.

Concussion Warning Signs

It is not always easy to know if someone has a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion range from mild to severe and can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. Symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Not being able to remember what happened after the injury.
  • Acting confused, asking the same question over and over, slurring words, or not being able to concentrate.
  • Feeling lightheaded, seeing "stars," having blurry vision, or experiencing ringing in the ears.
  • Not being able to stand or walk; or having coordination and balance problems.
  • Feeling nauseous or throwing up.
  • Passing out.

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. A health care professional will be able to decide when it is safe to return to sports. Always remember to tell your coach or child’s coach about any recent concussions.