Annually, as many as 3.5 million athletes will sustain concussions. This is an unavoidable risk that athletes accept in order to compete in the sports they love.  Proper management of a concussion begins at the moment of injury.  Treatment of a concussion depends not only on the care of a health care professional, but it is also vitally important that those involved in sports (coaches, administrators, parents and athletes) are educated about these injuries.  The goal of the Sport Concussion Program is to treat not only individual athletes, but to assist organizations in implementing concussion education, awareness and testing protocols.  This comprehensive programming is achieved through a 5 Step Approach as outlined below.

5 Steps of Concussion Managment

(1) EDUCATION
Education programs and seminars that presents information on signs and symptoms, course of recovery, appropriate treatment and care,
and integrating the student athlete back to school and sports after a concussion.  Dr. Freitag has presented to physicians, athletic trainers, coaches, administrators and parents all over the Bay Area.  If you are interested in having Dr. Freitag present to your organization, please contact the clinic.

(2) BASELINE TESTING WITH ImPACT
Pre-season baseline neurocognitive testing.  Click on the Baseline link on the sidebar for more information.

(3) SIDELINE EVALUATION
Education for team trainers, first responders, coaches, parents and administrators on identification and care of concussed athletes and when to remove from play

(4) POST INJURY CARE AND EVALUATION
Dr. Freitag's role in post injury management will not only include cognitive testing, but will also entail a clinical interview, balance and other physical testing and consultation with physician and other involved personel.  Dr. Freitag plays an important role in monitoring the athlete and helps to facilitate the recovery process.   

(5) RETURN TO PLAY DECISION
The Sport Concussion Program will monitor each athlete and make a recommendation on return to play once their cognitive testing scores are normal and they are no longer symptomatic.  Our protocol uses objective computerized cognitive testing as well as other neurocognitive measures as a key tool in making a return to play recommendation.