Concussion Evaluation

Mission Brain Injury Center treats concussions just as seriously as severe brain injuries. Concussions are the most common of head injuries and an estimated 300,000 sports-related minor brain injuries occur in the United States each year. The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle but the effects can result in lifetime disabilities if not treated properly.

Symptoms of Concussion on the Field

Any loss of consciousness! Vacant state, slow to answer questions, easily distracted, walking in the wrong direction, unaware of date/time, problems speaking, stumbling, athlete asking the same question multiple times.

Mental Status testing

Orientation:
Ask time, place, person, and facts about injury

Concentration:
Recite months of year in reverse order

Memory:
Recall names of 3 teams in prior contests, 3 objects, 3 words and again in 5 minutes, recent noteworthy event, details of contest, plays, moves, etc.

External tests:
5 push-ups; 5 sit-ups; 5 knee bends; sprint; Note any appearance of abnormal symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, unsteadiness, or mental status change

Neurologic testing

Pupils:
Equal, round in shape, and constrict to light

Coordination:
Finger to nose, walk heal-toe straight line

Sensation:
Finger to nose with eyes closed

Symptoms of Concussion (minutes to hours after the event)
Headache, dizziness, lack of awareness, or nausea/vomiting

Symptoms of Concussion (days to weeks after the event)
Persistent headache, light-headed, poor attention, memory problems, easily fatigues, irritable, frustrated easily, problems with bright lights or loud noises, anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. Ask the player's teachers to notify parents of any worsening in school performance!

Call Mission Hospital's Center for Rehab/Sports/Wellness at (949) 364-9637 for a professional follow-up evaluation.