Brain Health Testing

Concussion Awareness for Student Athletes

As the calendar flips to August, students are heading back to school.  Many of them will be playing organized sports -- football, soccer, basketball and track and field.

It’s important for athletes and their parents to understand that school-age athletes are suffering concussions at an accelerating rate.

At Foresight Chiropractic Wellness Center, we believe it’s critical that parents, coaches and athletes understand how best to prevent, recognize and treat concussions.  We recommend a 3-Step Plan:

Know the Signs and Symptoms

Concussions are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.  A concussion can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works.   You cannot see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or can take days or weeks to appear and may include:

·         Headache

·         Nausea or vomiting

·         Balance problems

·         Dizziness

·         Double or fuzzy vision

·         Sensitivity to light or noise

·         Feeling groggy, foggy or sluggish

·         Concentration or memory problems

·         Irritability

·         Nervousness or anxiety

Seek Medical Attention At the First Sign of Symptoms

If an athlete is suspected as having sustained a concussion, implement the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommended 4-step action plan:

1.                   Remove the athlete from play. When in doubt, keep the athlete out of play.

2.                   Ensure the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for a concussion.

3.                   Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about the possible concussion and give them a fact sheet on concussions.

4.                   Keep the athlete out of play until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for a concussion, says they are symptom-free and it’s okay to return.

Brain Health Testing

Establish the Athlete’s Brain Health Baseline

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): “Baseline tests are used to assess an athlete’s balance and brain function, as well as for the presence of any concussion symptoms.  Results from baseline tests (or pre-injury tests) can be used and compared to a similar exam conducted by a health care professional during the season if an athlete has a suspected concussion.”

Locally in Phoenix, Foresight Wellness in Gilbert is pioneering the use of the Clear Edge Test Brain Health Toolkit, which provides a suite of separate testing applications and questionnaires to efficiently measure subtle changes in balance and cognitive function objectively, quantitatively and reliably.  The assessment should be a vital part of a young athlete’s preparation for playing sports.

For more information about Clear Edge Brain Testing, call Foresight Chiropractic Wellness Center at 480-325-6977. The Doctors at Foresight Chiropractic are Board Certified Atlas Orthogonal upper cervical specialists who have been treating concussion patients for over 18 years with very precise and gentle care.  Protect your health and protect your future –call today!

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