Tagged as: concussion| concussion management
March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about something many athletes try to ignore: concussions.
If you’ve ever taken a hard hit and thought, “I’m probably fine. I just need a minute,” you’re not alone. But when it comes to your brain, “probably fine” isn’t good enough.
A concussion is a brain injury. And knowing how it’s diagnosed, including how tools like the SWAY concussion tests can make all the difference in getting you safely back to the sport you love.
“It Was Just a Hit”… Or Was It?
A concussion doesn’t always look dramatic. You don’t have to lose consciousness. You don’t have to fall down. Sometimes it’s just:
- A headache that won’t go away
- Feeling foggy in class
- Trouble concentrating
- Dizziness during practice
- Light bothering your eyes
- Feeling “off” but not sure why
These subtle symptoms are easy to brush off. But they’re your brain’s way of saying it needs attention.
Why Concussions Deserve More Than “Walk It Off”
In sports culture, toughness is celebrated. But playing through a brain injury doesn’t make you tougher; it increases your risk.
Returning to play too soon can lead to:
- Longer recovery times
- Increased risk of another concussion
- More severe symptoms
- Potential long-term cognitive issues
National Brain Injury Awareness Month reminds us that concussions are not “just part of the game.” They’re injuries that require thoughtful, structured care, just like a torn ACL or fractured wrist.
You wouldn’t sprint on a broken ankle. Your brain deserves the same respect.
So, How Do We Actually Diagnose a Concussion?
There isn’t one single scan that says “yes” or “no.” Instead, diagnosis includes:
- A detailed discussion about the injury
- A review of symptoms
- Neurological testing
- Balance assessment
- Cognitive evaluation
At Access Sports Medicine, we take the time to listen carefully and evaluate the full picture. In many cases, we also use a variety of concussion testing techniques to objectively measure how your brain is functioning.
What Is the SWAY Concussion Test, and Why Does It Matter?
The Sway platform is an FDA-cleared medical device that measures changes in neurological function that commonly occur after a head injury.
The platform evaluates several key areas:
Balance and stability: Uses the device’s motion sensors to measure subtle body movements that indicate impaired postural control.
Cognitive performance: Tests reaction time, memory, impulse control, and processing speed.
Vestibular and eye coordination: Evaluates how the brain controls balance and eye movements, which are often disrupted after a concussion.
Symptom tracking: Records patient-reported symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
By combining these metrics, Sway provides objective data that helps clinicians detect concussions, track recovery progress, and determine when it is safe for patients to return to normal activity.
What Recovery Really Looks Like (And Why Patience Wins)
Every concussion is different. Some athletes recover quickly. Others need more time.
A typical recovery plan includes:
Step 1: Short-Term Rest
Brief mental and physical rest to allow early healing.
Step 2: Gradual Return to Movement
As symptoms improve, activity increases step-by-step:
- Light cardio
- Sport-specific drills (non-contact)
- Controlled practice
- Full-contact practice (after clearance)
- Return to competition
If symptoms return, we pause and adjust. No rushing. No shortcuts.
Step 3: Medical Clearance
Before you’re cleared, we confirm:
- Symptoms have resolved
- Neurological exam is normal
- Balance has stabilized
- Impact concussion test results support recovery
Your brain needs time. Giving it that time protects both your current season and your future health.
When Should You Get Checked?
Schedule an evaluation if:
- You’ve had a blow to the head or body and feel “off”
- Symptoms show up hours later
- Headaches, fogginess, or dizziness persist
- You’ve had previous concussions
Even mild symptoms deserve attention.
Your Brain. Your Game. Your Future.
At Access Sports Medicine, we treat concussions with the seriousness they deserve. Our team provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized recovery plans to guide safe return-to-play decisions.
With convenient New Hampshire locations, we work closely with athletes, parents, and coaches to make sure recovery is safe, thorough, and individualized.
If you suspect a concussion, schedule an appointment with our team. The earlier you’re evaluated, the sooner you can start a recovery plan built around protecting your long-term brain health.
Because when it comes to your brain, “good enough” isn’t good enough.
