Concussion Care

Although there may be no visible signs for concussions, they can cause cognitive, physical and emotional symptoms, including confusion, vomiting, headache, nausea, depression, disturbed sleep, moodiness and amnesia. However, even when the symptoms of a concussion disappear, the brain injury can have significant consequences in both the short and long term, including problems with memory and communication, personality changes and even death.

The tragic consequences of concussions among professional athletes have been making headlines in recent years. However, as media attention on concussions has escalated, the risks and dangers remain the same — not only for professional and collegiate athletes, but for children and recreational athletes as well.

That's is exactly why the staff of the Marshall Sports Medicine Institute has made it a priority to stay on the leading edge of concussion prevention, management and research. The Marshall University Concussion Consortium includes orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, primary care physicians, pediatricians, physical therapists, nutritionists, educators, chiropractors, exercise physiologists and athletic trainers who are working together to educate the Tri-State's athletic and academic communities on return-to-play and return-to-learn standards for concussions.

The Pediatric Concussion Clinic at Marshall Health, led by pediatric neurologist Mitzi Payne, MD, and pediatrician Norman Cottrill, MD, has long provided comprehensive treatment for concussion as well as computerized testing to monitor patients and track their conditions. Now, advanced testing and treatment are available at the Marshall Sports Medicine Institute for the Tri-State's entire athletic population — from grade school athletes to senior adults.

In addition to the dedicated Pediatric Concussion Clinic services offered by Dr. Payne and Dr. Cottrill, athletes at the high school and collegiate level and beyond may be evaluated by Dr. Greg Hendricks and Dr. Andy Gilliland, both primary care sports medicine and Marshall team physicians. Dr. Gilliland and Dr. Hendricks are recognized by ImPACT as Credentialed ImPACT Consultants (CIC) and Passport providers. Dr. Hendricks and Dr. Gilliland also offer pre-season baseline and follow-up concussion testing for athletes over the age of 13.