Sports concussion management

Dr. Fornetti practices at the Kennedy Center at Mercy in Oshkosh, 2700 W. 9th Ave, Suite 125. Please enter through the main entrance at Mercy. She can be contacted by calling, -1-800-322-2141. Living Amy video for detailed information on concussions.

Sports Concussions

From the National Football League to Pee Wee football leagues, concussion prevention and management is something everyone is talking about.

Willa Fornetti, DO, MS specializes in sports concussion management for the Kennedy Center sports medicine program. She has been a team physician for both high school and college sports teams, walking the sidelines and providing expert evaluation for concussion injuries.

What is a concussion and why is it such big news?

Basically, a concussion is a brain injury that changes how the brain normally works. A person can get a concussion from a direct hit to the head or an indirect jolt to the body. Even a minor hit can be serious. Concussions are common injuries in contact sports like football, hockey, soccer and basketball. They can also occur during non-contact sports like skiing and snowboarding. Concussions are not always identified immediately so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of head injuries.

Symptoms of Concussion

• Person appears dazed or confused
• Forgetful
• Moves clumsily
• Difficulty answering simple questions
• Seems more emotional (sadness, irritability, nervousness)
• Can’t recall events before or after the hit or injury

Symptoms that athletes may report:

• Headaches
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering (especially in school)
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Feeling slowed down or mentally "foggy"

Sports Concussion Management

The most important step in managing concussion is to get the correct diagnosis as soon as possible. During sporting events, the team physician or sideline athletic trainers will remove the athlete from participation if they show any signs of having concussion. The injured athlete will undergo both physical and mental tests looking for a concussion injury. If you think your child has suffered from a concussion, have them stop playing immediately and get evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Medical providers can perform several office tests to determine if that individual has had a concussion.

Medical studies show that the best concussion treatment combines both physical and mental rest.

• Physical Rest includes avoiding any sports, gym or recess activities.
• Mental or Brain Rest: Since it’s the brain that’s been injured, it’s vital to let your brain rest too. The following are a sample of cognitive activities that should be avoided until your doctor approves:
  • Working at your computer
  • Playing video games
  • Watching TV
  • Texting
  • Reading, writing or studying
  • Avoiding bright lights and loud music
  • Sometimes driving and school limitations

Dr. Fornetti will oversee how quickly your child can return to normal activities. The new concussion law in Wisconsin says that an athlete cannot return to play unless cleared by a health professional trained in sports concussion management. It’s important that your child gets the treatment they need. Children and young adults often experience more symptoms and take longer to recover than adults.

At the Kennedy Center, we develop sports concussion management plans that involve a team approach with athletic trainers, coaches, teachers, parents, and athletes. This will ensure that your child receives the proper medical treatment while working with the school system to help to coordinate an effective transition back to normal activities and sports.