Concussion Care

Concussions, also known as mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are serious injuries that should always be assessed and treated by a medical professional to ensure both safe recovery and safe return to play.

Anyone who suspects they have a concussion should immediately stop all physical activity and be evaluated by a medical professional within 24-48 hours. Please call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) to make an appointment with a healthcare provider.

<br>About Concussion Care

UT Health Austin’s Sports and Injury Clinic within the Musculoskeletal Institute offers comprehensive concussion care for sports enthusiasts, including high school, club, collegiate, and professional athletes, 14 years of age and older. We provide a multidisciplinary, individualized approach to care that includes a symptom-management and return-to-play treatment plan.

We understand that a concussion diagnosis can evoke feelings of anxiety and concern, which is why a team of experts work with you to develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Our care team is here to help every step of the way, from diagnosis to treatment and throughout the entire recovery process.

Treatment Approach

Our goal for concussion recovery is to help athletes not only return safely to the game, but also to professional, academic, community, and home settings.

Clinic visits are comprehensive and include the following:

• Detailed discussion of injury history, symptoms, and pre-injury risk factors
• Medical evaluation with a neurological exam
• Neuropsychological screening (e.g., attention, processing speed, memory)
• Individualized plan of care, including a symptoms-management and rehabilitation plan for a safe return to activities
• Education about expected recovery

Once the individual returns to a pre-concussion baseline level of symptoms, balance, concentration, and cognitive function, a stepwise progression for return-to-play will occur. Each step requires at least 24 hours of being symptom-free before advancing to the next step. If symptoms occur during the stepwise progression, the individual will return to the previous level during which no symptoms were experienced.

Stepwise Progression for Return-to-Play/Activity/Learning:

1. Light aerobic activity without resistance
2. Sport/recreational activity without head impact
3. Non-contact drills and resistance training
4. Unrestricted training
5. Return to competition

Appointment Information

For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Sports and Injury Clinic, please call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737).

Patient Resources

View and print this downloadable Concussion Care Flyer.