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Sports medicine physician Sara Gould, M.D., likens the impact
of a hit to the head to the effects of shaking a snow globe. The
scene within is calm with every piece in place. But when that
globe is shaken, snowflakes scatter hither and yon. Nothing is
actually broken or damaged, but the chaos is there.
The effect of that chaos on a young athlete’s brain varies
from case to case, but some sort of functional disturbance is
certain. That’s why the immediate diagnosis and treatment
of concussion are crucial. “We can’t see any damage if we
take pictures of the brain, but we know there’s a concussion
because of the athlete’s symptoms,” Gould said. “The tricky
part is that symptoms can vary widely and may be subtle.”
To facilitate quick diagnosis and appropriate management,
Children’s of Alabama broadened its sports medicine coverage
in 2011 by opening a specialized concussion clinic. Gould
and James Johnston, M.D., serve as co-medical directors. The
strength of the program lies in its unique interdisciplinary focus,
which brings together a team of highly skilled athletic trainers,
nurses, physicians and neuropsychologists to optimize the
evaluation, treatment and medical clearance for return to play.
Concussion Clinic Brings
Multidisciplinary Perspective
Good Health