Sports Concussion Clinic
Every year, millions of children and adolescents experience sports-related concussions. A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. The effects can be serious and should be addressed promptly and correctly. Allowing adequate healing time following a concussion is crucial to recovery.
The Sports Concussion Clinic at Spaulding Cape Cod offers an integrated program combining a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation by a physician, the use of the ImPACT neurocognitive test, and individualized therapy and education plans to promote full recovery and ensure the athlete's safe, appropriate return to sports or classroom activities.
Approach To Care
Spaulding's clinical team works closely with the athlete's parents, coaches, athletic trainer, teachers, school nurse, guidance counselor and primary care physician to educate and facilitate his or her safe, gradual return to activity -- academics, sports, and work.
Our treatment plan may include:
Comprehensive Assessment of the Injured Athlete
--Complete history of the event, including immediate symptoms, symptom progression, concussion history and academic performance before and after the event.
Full Medical Exam
--Musculoskeletal and Neurological Assessment
--Vestibular Assessment: balance, vision
-- Cognitive Assessment: memory, attention, reaction time, processing
ImPACT Neurocognitive Testing
--Computerized evaluation system that provides an objective way to assess readiness to return to play and academics after concussion; interpreted by a specially trained physiatrist
-- Providing baseline (pre-season) and post-injury testing
Medication
--As needed for headache, sleep or attention symptoms
Rehabilitation
--Therapists with expertise in treating concussions will incorporate appropriate exercise to improve activity tolerance without provoking concussive symptoms.
--Vestibular therapy to help with dizziness and visual problems as needed
Expertise
Our team consists of specially trained physical therapists (occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists as needed) who work closely with the physiatrist to develop and implement each patient’s treatment plan. In addition, support staff are trained to administer ImPACT testing.
Program Director
Physiatrist Andrew Judelson, MD, is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Judelson has an extensive background in exercise physiology and special interest in sports medicine. Since 2010, he has been actively involved in developing concussion management and community education on Cape Cod. He consults with area school systems on diagnosis and treatment of concussion in student athletes.
Locations
The Sports Concussion Clinic at Spaulding Cape Cod is offered at the following outpatient locations Click on the name of the facility for more information.
Spaulding Outpatient Center Orleans
Spaulding Outpatient Center Sandwich
Adaptive Sports & Exercise
Our programs provide access to a range of therapeutic activities from cycling to water sports to golf.
