Board-Certified Sports Medicine Doctors in Knoxville, TN
Concussions are one of the most common injuries in sports, especially in contact activities like football, soccer, and basketball. While many athletes may try to “shake it off,” concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury and require careful management. Seeing a sports medicine specialist is the safest way to ensure a full recovery and a safe return to play.
If you or someone with a suspected concussion is experiencing loss of consciousness for more than thirty seconds, vomiting, bleeding, slurred speech, difficulty walking, or confusion and disorientation, seek treatment at the nearest emergency room.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when a blow to the head or body causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This sudden movement can disrupt normal brain function, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Some athletes experience headache, dizziness, confusion, or memory problems right away, while others may notice symptoms hours later. Concussions can also cause sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Because symptoms are not always immediate or obvious, athletes should be evaluated by a trained professional if a concussion is suspected.
Why Should Athletes See a Sports Medicine Expert for Concussions?
Sports medicine specialists have advanced training in both brain health and the unique demands of athletic performance. They use evidence-based guidelines to determine the severity of the injury and create a safe, personalized treatment plan. Unlike general rest recommendations, a sports medicine expert considers the athlete’s sport, position, and level of competition when planning recovery. Their goal is not only to protect brain function but also to guide athletes back to safe participation without increasing the risk of long-term complications.
How Do Sports Medicine Specialists Diagnose Concussions?
Diagnosis begins with a thorough evaluation of the athlete’s symptoms, medical history, and details about how the injury occurred. Specialists often perform neurological exams to assess memory, concentration, balance, and coordination. In some cases, imaging studies may be ordered to rule out more serious brain injuries. Many sports medicine experts also use baseline concussion testing, comparing post-injury results with preseason data to track recovery progress. This precise approach helps ensure that no athlete returns to play before their brain has fully healed.
What Is the Treatment and Recovery Process for a Concussion?
The first step in treatment is immediate removal from play to prevent further injury. Rest, both physical and cognitive, is essential in the early stages of recovery. Athletes are advised to limit screen time, studying, and strenuous exercise until symptoms improve. Sports medicine experts then guide a gradual return-to-play process, introducing light physical activity before progressing to sport-specific drills. Each stage must be completed without symptoms returning. Only after the athlete is fully symptom-free and cleared by the specialist should they return to competition.
What Are the Risks of Ignoring a Concussion?
Returning to play too soon increases the risk of second impact syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when another head injury happens before the first has healed. Repeated concussions can also contribute to long-term issues such as chronic headaches, memory problems, or cognitive decline. This is why expert management from a sports medicine physician is so critical.
Where Can Athletes Find Concussion Specialists in East Tennessee?
If you or your child experiences a concussion, the sports medicine team at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance in East Tennessee can provide expert diagnosis and safe management. Our specialists work with athletes of all levels to ensure proper recovery and safe return to play. Schedule an appointment today and trust your brain health to experienced sports medicine professionals.
