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(530) 587-3769
(530) 587-3769
Tahoe Forest Health System's Concussion intervention, education, and prevention programs include:
Medical Intervention, Coordination and Outreach
Neurology
ImPACT Testing
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Project
Physical Therapy
Speech Language Pathology
Nutrition Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Led by Dr. Nina Winans, a Board Certified Sports Medicine Physician with extensive experience and training in concussion management, Tahoe Forest Health System is working with the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District and local ski and sport teams to reach as many athletes as possible. A credentialed ImPACT Consultant, Dr. Winans oversees all local ImPACT testing and concussion education, research, and patient management.
Dr. Stephen Forner is a board certified neurologist with more than 35 years of treating neurological disorders in adults and children. With a special interest in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and concussions, Dr. Forner offers neurologic consultation and treatment of post-concussion neurological symptoms such as headache, neck pain, dizziness, balance disorders, and cognitive problems.
ImPACT testing is the most widely used and scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. Upon enrollment in the program, a child or athlete takes a baseline test and the results are stored on a secure and private computer server. If a concussion is suspected in the future, a follow-up test is performed, and results are compared to the original baseline data.
Administered by credentialed practitioners, ImPACT testing is done in conjunction with other baseline neuro-cognitive testing for local sports teams and school athletics.
In collaboration with the Tahoe Institute for Rural Health Research, the mTBI project is developing a simple portable device to assist in diagnosing mild traumatic brain injury. This research is being conducted by trained professionals, and when completed will indicate if an athlete should be sidelined following a hit to the head and if or when he or she is healthy enough to return to play.
The goal of this research is to develop an objective system to help prevent athletes from suffering successive head impacts resulting in more severe brain trauma.
Physical Therapy performs comprehensive evaluations to identify and address cervical spine/whiplash issues that commonly occur with traumatic concussion. A full assessment includes evaluation of the patient's balance and coordination, as well as eye tracking ability and the vestibular (inner ear) system for any weaknesses or dysfunctions. Treatment aims to resolve headaches, a common symptom of head injury, and uses therapeutic exercises to return the patient to his or her pre-concussion level of work, recreation, and sport activity.
Post-concussion patients often report feeling lost in conversations, forgetting words or losing train of thought, impaired reading comprehension, difficulty multi-tasking, inability to concentrate, or crying for no reason. In addition to a conversation about the patient's perceived difficulties, the speech language pathologist's initial evaluation involves testing memory, concentration, problem solving, and communication through various functional tasks.
The speech language pathologist helps the patient to identify and establish routines that allow the brain to heal while still maximizing success in school, work, and social situations.
Diet has a powerful impact on brain health and function. A brain injury may exacerbate difficulties related to managing preexisting conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer. A registered dietitian nutritionist will create an eating plan focused specifically on supporting brain health and avoiding chronic disease.
Post-concussion patients often report feeling lost in conversations, forgetting words or losing train of thought, impaired reading comprehension, difficulty multi-tasking, inability to concentrate, or crying for no reason. In addition to a conversation about the patient's perceived difficulties, the speech language pathologist's initial evaluation involves testing memory, concentration, problem solving, and communication through various functional tasks.
The speech language pathologist helps the patient to identify and establish routines that allow the brain to heal while still maximizing success in school, work, and social situations.
Call (530) 587-3769
Download Concussion Care & Prevention Brochure here.