Concussion Management

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that may change the way your brain normally works. Concussions may also occur from a blow to the body causing the head to move rapidly back and forth such as whiplash. Even “getting your bell rung”, or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

Concussions can occur in any sport or recreational activity. Observable concussion signs and symptoms:

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Confusion
• Headache
• Moves clumsily
• Can't recall events
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Blurry or double vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Concentration or memory problems
• Mood, personality or behavior change
• Feeling slowed down

Recognizing A Possible Concussion

To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things amongst athletes:

1. A forceful bump or blow to the head or jolt to the body that results in rapid movement of the head.
2. Any change to athlete’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.

Do You Suspect A Concussion?

Seek medical attention.
Seek medical attention via Barton Emergency Department, Barton Urgent Care or a Primary Care Physician for initial management. Do not return to play or activity until evaluated by a health care professional experienced in concussion management. The concussion professional will evaluate when to start a gradual return to activity based on being symptom free.

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Our Approach To Care:

Coordinated Care

Barton Health providers and coordinators work together to establish the diagnosis and to develop a management plan for Return to Learn and Return to Play.

Speech Therapy

Speech Therapy provides education about the healing process and guides patients gradually back into their cognitive task of their daily life. Patients are able to identify their symptoms and with training create routines to achieve success at home, school and work settings.

Physical Therapy

The Vestibulotherapy Program at Barton treats three components of balance: visual, vestibular, and somatosensory. They challenge each component by changing or eliminating one or more of them, i.e. by changing the base of support, changing the surface, taking away vision, changing visual field, eye tracking or head moving with eyes fixed. There are many combinations used based on the deficits of each individual. If the patient presents with a vestibular issue, there are several manual techniques available.

Concussion Coordination

Our Concussion Coordinators serve the community by scheduling physician appointments following a concussion and guide patients through the concussion referral resources. They are available to address concussion management questions by calling 530.208.8253.

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Our Concussion Team

Barton Health's team of physicians have years of experience in managing concussions, from initial care of concussion to follow up care with primary care practitioners. Our physicians also work with certified athletic trainers in coordinating care with our area schools and sports teams.

Patient Care

Barton Health providers are trained to identify brain injuries and concussions in all practices. Barton Health concussion professionals are able to provide a comprehensive evaluation for diagnosis and multi-disciplinary coordinated management process.

• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Cognitive Rehabilitation
• Vestibular Audiology
• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Referral to Neuropsychology
• Sports Performance Training
• Exercise Physiology

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Concussion Management Health Facilities

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Additional Concussion Resources:

Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5 and SCAT 5 for children) 
Pocket SCAT5
CIF Concussion Return to Learn (RTL) Protocol
Concussion Consensus Statement
Importance of 'Return to Learn' in Pediatric and Adolescent Concussion
Pediatric Sports Specific Return To Play Guidelines Following Concussion


Information Provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.