Concussion Management

Baseline testing and treatment

Usually caused by a blow to the head, a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) that interferes with normal brain function. The effects are usually temporary but may include headaches, confusion, memory problems, and balance issues.

All concussions are serious and, if not managed properly, could result in long-term complications. Expert evaluation and treatment is very important.

Many athletes are reluctant to admit they’ve been injured. That’s why parents and coaches need to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of a concussion, like these:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Vision changes
  • Balance problems
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering
  • Irritability, nervousness, or anxiousness

If an athlete is experiencing these symptoms, contact your athletic trainer or physician for immediate evaluation. If symptoms worsen, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.

ImPACT® Baseline Testing

Concussions happen. Protect yourself and your student athlete with ImPACT® pre- and post-concussion testing.

ImPACT is a computer-based test used to objectively measure neurocognitive performance and establish baselines. These tests measure attention span, working memory, problem solving, and more. If you or your child suffers a concussion, these baseline tests will help your doctor evaluate treatment needs and return-to-play time.

We offer individual testing sessions at the Aurora BayCare Sports Medicine Center in Green Bay. Or, group testing can be conducted at your school or team practice location. This test is now available for pediatric and adult patients, ages 5 through 59.

Cost: $25 per athlete
To schedule your baseline or post-injury assessment, call 920-288-5491.

Considered the standard of care for professional sports leagues, ImPACT® testing is most effective when a baseline (pre-injury) evaluation is available. We compare the post-injury test to the baseline assessment to help analyze an athlete’s health. ImPACT® testing is used in tandem with other neurological tests and medical evaluations to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Concussion FAQs

How is a concussion treated?

If you suffer a concussion, you will be referred to a medical provider trained in concussion management. Your treatment protocol will include rest and certain precautions to allow your brain to heal. Your doctor may recommend avoiding any physical activity and limiting various mental activities such as computer use, video games, and reading.

Your doctor may also recommend shorter work/school days or other temporary modifications to your normal activities, until your brain has recovered.

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

Recovery time depends on a several factors, including the severity of injury, recurrent symptoms, past history of concussions, and other individual characteristics. The decision to resume normal activities should be made with your health care provider.

What’s the danger of a concussion?

If treated properly, most children will recover fully from a concussion. However, young athletes who sustain multiple concussions will take longer to heal and are more likely to experience prolonged symptoms and cognitive impairment.

Athletes who return to their sport too quickly following a concussion, and subsequently suffer another one, are at an extremely high risk of serious brain damage.

Concussion Leadership

The concussion management program at Aurora BayCare is led by two sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons in collaboration with our team of physical therapists, athletic trainers, neurologists and neuropsychologists.

We are regional leaders in brain injury, offering cutting-edge diagnostic tools like ImPACT® as well as progressive treatments based on the latest research and clinical evidence.