Sports Physicals and Impact Concussion Testing in Tigard, OR

Determining the duration an athlete needs to be out of sports after sustaining a concussion depends significantly on the individual case, particularly the severity of the concussion. Concussions are categorized into different degrees of severity, each with its own set of symptoms and recovery timelines.

A mild concussion might involve symptoms lasting for 15 minutes, with the patient remaining conscious and experiencing dizziness, headache, confusion, nausea, and light sensitivity. A moderate concussion involves symptoms persisting for longer than 15 minutes, but without loss of consciousness. These symptoms are like those of a mild concussion but can be more intense and significantly impact daily life. The most severe concussions involve a loss of consciousness, either immediately following the injury or shortly after, and present alongside more intense versions of the symptoms.

Even seemingly minor head injuries can disrupt brain function and lead to severe consequences if not properly managed. A medical evaluation is necessary for all levels of concussions. Most concussions resolve within a few days to a few weeks.

However, the specific time frame for an athlete to return to sports is determined by a medical provider after a thorough evaluation and considering the degree of the concussion, the treatment received, and the patient’s overall health. Athletes should only return to their sport after being cleared by a healthcare professional and when it is deemed safe to do so.

When an athlete suffers a concussion, they should be immediately removed from the activity and promptly seek medical attention at a clinic such as Columbia Clinic Urgent Care. Athletes will undergo a thorough examination by experienced doctors who can confirm the diagnosis, evaluate the degree of the concussion, and develop a suitable treatment plan. It’s imperative not to underestimate the severity of a head injury due to the potential for serious complications if left untreated or aggravated.

The recovery plan for concussions is personalized according to each patient’s specific needs, involving a gradual return to the sport. The process includes rest, followed by building up with exercises, non-contact sport-specific exercises, non-contact training practices, and eventually unrestricted training leading to a full return to play. Athletes must not continue to play or return to the sport until medically cleared, as playing with a concussion increases the risk for conditions like second impact syndrome.

Continuing to engage in sports with a concussion can lead to severe complications and consequences. Athletes who persist in playing after a concussion are at risk of second impact syndrome, where a second head injury occurs before the initial concussion has fully healed.

This can result in severe health outcomes, including permanent brain damage or life-threatening consequences. Athletes must immediately stop any sporting activity following a head injury, report their symptoms, receive medical care, and not return to play without medical clearance.

Concussions can have long-lasting effects on health, with symptoms varying in severity and potentially changing over time. The impact of concussions can be cumulative, meaning that individuals who sustain multiple concussions are more likely to experience long-term symptoms, especially if there isn’t sufficient healing time between injuries.

Long-term effects of concussions can manifest physically, emotionally, and cognitively, with symptoms including depression, persistent headaches, and brain fog. These symptoms can interfere with daily life and overall well-being, with some presenting at debilitating levels and causing cognitive impairments, visual problems, fatigue, sleep disorders, and behavioral symptoms.

Proper care after sustaining a concussion and obtaining appropriate treatment at facilities like Columbia Clinic Urgent Care is crucial for mitigating these long-term effects and ensuring a full and safe recovery.

Sports physicals and impact concussion testing are available at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We also take walk-ins for your utmost convenience. We are located at 12455 SW 68th Avenue, Tigard, OR 97223. We serve patients from Tigard OR, Tualatin OR, Beaverton OR, Lake Oswego OR, and surrounding areas.