At Tahoe Forest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we are focused on a better you. Our specialty-trained concussion management physicians and staff are dedicated to providing specialized concussion management care to sports related concussions in middle school to high school age patients in Truckee, Incline Village, and the surrounding communities.

Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury that can cause a range of symptoms that not only impact a person's physical health but their cognitive and emotional health too. These injuries often occur when playing sports, especially contact sports, which means athletes like football players are at high risk. However, not all concussions are sports-related. For instance, they can also happen when a person falls and hits their head.

A concussion specialist is a medical doctor who provides care to patients and athletes who have suffered a concussion. They not only diagnose and treat the injury itself but provide ongoing concussion management, which allows the patient to return to work, school, or playing their preferred sport.

Doctors who are concussion specialists will usually begin assessing a person by asking about his or her symptoms then performing a thorough evaluation of the brain and head injury. They will likely have the patient take an imaging test, such as a CT scan or MRI, to ensure there is no serious brain damage. When the results of these imaging tests are available, the doctor will then discuss concussion management and a concussion treatment plan with the patient. 

Physical therapy is often used in rehabilitation after the injury and can help a person recover their balance and focus. If the injured person is an athlete who wants to know when he or she can return to play, the doctor will work with them to estimate a time when this might be possible, although there can be no guarantees.

What your Doctor needs to know

Concussions are often caused by a blow to the head, and the symptoms can be brief, lasting just a few minutes, or much longer. Here are some common post-injury symptoms that could indicate a concussion:

  • Anxious or nervous feeling
  • Balance issues
  • Blurry vision 
  • Dizziness
  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Feeling emotional
  • Headache that continues to get worse 
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Memory problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • One pupil looks larger than the other
  • Sensitivity to light and/or noise
  • Speech-language issues, such as slurred speech

If you care for a child, it is important to be aware of the symptoms described above. Also, keep the following in mind:

  • If a child in your care is playing a sport or athletic game and suffers an injury to the head, they should immediately stop playing.
  • The child should not be allowed to return to his or her play. Continuing to play can put the child at risk for second-impact syndrome, which can lead to permanent brain damage or neurological disorders.
  • If you have any concerns or if the child has lost consciousness, even for a short time, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
  • It can take up to three days for symptoms to appear, so continue to watch for symptoms in the days after the injury.

When you or someone you know has a concussion, it can take a toll on your whole life. Our concussion specialist is not only a medical expert, but she's also a knowledgeable professional who wants to do more than just treat your concussion; she wants to help you get back to what you love. To schedule an appointment, call (530) 582-7488 or make an appointment request.    

Exceptional care begins at Tahoe Forest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

At Tahoe Forest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our team of dedicated orthopedic experts is here for you. As a specialty-trained and knowledgeable concussion management specialist, Dr. Nina Winans is backed by the latest state-of-the-art technology and has extensive experience to bring you the very best in concussion care. 

Some concussions may be minor. However, it is always important to see a doctor for an expert diagnosis. If you believe that you or someone you know has a concussion, contact us as soon as possible by calling (530) 582-7488 to schedule an appointment with our expert concussion specialist or make an appointment request. We offer three convenient locations in Truckee, California, and Incline Village, Nevada: Tahoe Forest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Tahoe Forest Sports Medicine & Therapy Services, and the Incline Village Community Hospital.