Concussion Management
The vast majority of concussions occur during sports. In any given sport season, approximately 5 to 10% of athletes will experience a concussion. For males, football poses the greatest risk for concussion, while for women it is soccer. Because of the long-term neurological brain damage concussions can cause, it is imperative to identify and treat a concussion immediately. Athletes should take the time to fully recover before returning to play.
STARS offers a comprehensive concussion management program – from evaluations and testing to physical therapy, cognitive therapy and more. Learn more below.
Concussion Physiology
ImPACT™ Concussion Testing & Concussion Management
Return to Play Progression
The Concussion Program
Concussion Resources
The STARS Difference
Concussion Physiology
A concussion, or type of brain injury, is induced by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to literally bounce and twist within the skull. A concussion causes brain cells and cell membranes to be stretched and torn. This damage disrupts the normal function of the cells and restricts blood flow in the injured part of the brain.
Blood is the only source of fuel for the brain. Decreased blood flow to the injured part of the brain (which needs more blood to repair itself) leads to further cell injury and dysfunction. It is thought that the disruption in the supply and demand of blood flow is the key reason why concussion symptoms worsen after an injury. Studies suggest that it may take up to two weeks for the damaged cells to completely heal.
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ImPACT™ Concussion Testing & Concussion Management
Athletes in contact sports such as football have a higher risk for experiencing a concussion. The signs and symptoms of concussion may not be initially evident, but making a prompt diagnosis and receiving emergency medical care is essential for the best outcomes. That’s why Saint Alphonsus Rehabilitation Services (STARS) offers ImPACT™ Concussion Testing.
ImPACT uses sophisticated computer technology to analyze cognitive and behavioral skills both before and after an injury. When a concussion is suspected, the post-injury analysis is compared to the baseline analysis to confirm or rule out a concussion diagnosis. ImPACT™ Concussion Testing provides information regarding the severity of injury and a standard for evaluating recovery from concussion. Prompt and proper concussion management is essential for a quick and complete recovery.
ImPACT is an effective tool used to manage return to play for athletes. Results are analyzed by our credentialed ImPACT neuropsychologists and shared with the athletes’ physician or athletic trainer.
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Return to Play Progression
Return to play protocol includes a stepwise progression that allows the athlete 24 hours between each step without any symptoms. If any symptoms return, the athlete should return to the previous step and resume the progression again following 24 hours without symptoms. Read more
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The Concussion Program
The Concussion Program at STARS specializes in helping people recover from physical and cognitive symptoms related to mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) or concussion. STARS provides systematic treatment that includes education about injuries and treatment to restore cognitive and physical function.
Our Goal
The primary goal of the Concussion Program is to help you successfully resume daily activities in your home, community, work and school environments, including social, recreation, and sports activities.
STARS' specialized concussion team includes:
The Concussion Program provides:
- Evaluations & Comprehensive Treatment
- Education & Counseling
- Sports Medicine Therapy
- Balance and Vestibular Therapy
- Community Reintegration
- Drivers Evaluation and Treatment
- Work & School Reentry
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Concussion Resources
Below you will find helpful resources for parents, athletes, coaches and school professionals regarding concussion facts and law.
Idaho Concussion Law
House Bill 632
Resources for Parents
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Resources for Athletes
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Resources for Coaches
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Resources for School Professionals
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Resources for Physicians
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The Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center/ Saint Alphonsus Rehabilitation Services (STARS) continuum of care is the only system of care in the Intermountain West that provides a complete continuum of care for people recovering from concussions and more severe brain injuries. Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center is the only Level 2 Trauma Hospital in the Treasure Valley region. The Brain Injury Program at STARS provides comprehensive/interdisciplinary rehabilitation services to people who have sustained brain injury. Our system of care promotes the highest quality of care and supports the involvement of health care providers throughout the continuum. Additionally, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center/ Saint Alphonsus Rehabilitation Services (STARS) is networked with many local and statewide resources to facilitate patient's transition to thier home communities.
STARS is certified by ImPACT to provide athletes with pre-season cognitive assessments to guide decisions regarding "return to play" if an athlete sustains a concussion.
For more information on concussions, please visit the following websites:
Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA)
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC)
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Brain injury Alliance of Idaho (BIAID)
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The STARS Difference
STARS is the only accredited provider of single-disciplinary outpatient services in the state of Idaho, and we are committed to clinical excellence. In addition, many of our providers have advanced training and certifications. Learn more about the STARS difference.
STARS has 13 convenient locations throughout the Treasure Valley, including Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, and Caldwell, Idaho. To schedule an appointment with our orthopedic specialists, call (208) 367-STAR (7827) or request an appointment online.
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