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Sports Concussion Clinic

Youth Sports Concussion Program

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. A concussion can occur with or without loss of consciousness and they affect people differently.

Did you know?

  • About 10% of all contact sport athletes sustain concussions yearly.
  • 63% of all concussions occur in football and up to 20% of football players will sustain a concussion per season.
  • An athlete who sustains a concussion is 4-6 times more likely to sustain a second concussion.
  • Effects of concussion are cumulative in athletes who return to play prior to complete recovery.
  • Physical symptoms often disappear before the cognitive symptoms resolve.

Youth Sports Concussion Program

The Youth Sports Concussion Program at Kaiser Permanente aims to improve detection, management, and outcome of sports-related concussions in youth student athletes.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team including a physician, neuropsychologist, clinical health educator and may also be referred to additional resources such as physical therapy. Each athlete and each injury is unique, with varying recovery time lines and treatment plans. Giving your body the time it needs to heal will benefit you in the long run on and off the playing field.

After your first in-office visit, you will be given individualized instructions for any needed modifications for school and your sport. We follow the CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) Return to Learn and Return to Play protocols and progress athletes through each stage as he or she becomes ready.

Eligibility

The Napa Solano Youth Sports Concussion program primarily treats youth athletes up to age 21 involved in both sports and school. Please talk to your Primary Care Provider regarding a referral to our clinic. In case of emergency, please call the Kaiser Permanente Appointment and Advice line at 707-624-2600 or visit your nearest Emergency Department.

Non Kaiser Members

The Napa Solano Youth Sports Concussion clinic is open to non-Kaiser members who meet the criteria above. Call (707) 624-3000 for additional information regarding billing and scheduling appointments.

ImPACT Testing

You may take a computerized exam called an ImPACT test (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), which allows us to assess cognitive abilities and establish a preseason baseline of cognitive abilities when symptoms have resolved. This 20-minute test tracks information such as memory, reaction time, processing speed, and concentration. It is simple and set up like a video game. Athletes take the test prior to the season and if the athlete is believed to have suffered a head injury they re-take the exam to help determine when the injury has healed. ImPACT is utilized at the middle, high school, and college level and throughout professional sports, including the NHL, NFL, and MLB.

Note: If you have taken an ImPACT test at your school or another medical facility, please bring your ImPACT Passport ID so that we may access your past results.

What can I do before I’m seen by the clinic?

  • Rest – Your brain needs ample rest after a concussion, particularly in the first 3-5 days. Rest quietly during the day and take naps as needed.
  • Sleep– Our bodies recover most efficiently while we are sleeping. Ensure you are getting a healthy night’s sleep each night.
  • Reduce Screen Time– Limit as much as possible time spent looking at screens including smart phones, tablets, computer monitors, televisions and video games.
  • Healthy Nutrition and Hydration– Continue to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids.
  • Physical Activity– Take it easy during the beginning stages of recovery. You may start doing short walks after the first few days in a quiet environment but it is important not to overdo it.
  • Listen to Your Body– If any activity provokes symptoms, such as headache or nausea, back off for now.