Concussion technology has come a long way in helping us understand and manage concussions. Dr. Summer Ott discusses some of the options available and who they best fit.
After a concussion, we need to focus on helping the patient Return To Engaging Activity. Dr. Summer Ott, PsyD presents at the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Update and joins us for a discussion on the ever-changing landscape of concussions.
What is a return to engaging activity?
Recognize common physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms that affect academic performance
Identify potential roadblocks
Describe an Action Plan Each school system is different in policies. Parents need to ask the right questions.
Texas law- applies only to athletes, for return to learn – Natasha Law (HB2038
Return to Learn
It is a step-wise return to academics
Cognitive recovery often occurs after physical recovery has happened
Some students do not feel comfortable with accommodations (504 plan)
A 504 plan is NOT necessary in every case. Accommodations are meant for only short term for recovery
Not every physician is educated in academic accommodations, parents need to ask.
It is helpful to have the Concussion injury Coordinator to facilitate (CIC)
Want an Example?
Case study:
A full day of school is key in the early stage of recovery, may cause the return of symptoms, even though at rest and previous days stated NO symptoms. The cognitive load of school also helps in concussion evaluation.
Dr. Summer Ott is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). She also serves as the director of the Concussion Program at Memorial Hermann Ironman Sports Medicine Institute.
Dr. Ott is a Neuropsychologist specializing in sports-related concussions. She has extensive clinical and research experience with sports-related concussions. She currently serves as the team neuropsychological consultant for the Houston Texans and Houston Rockets, as well as many universities and school districts in Texas. Previously, Dr. Ott served as a neuropsychology consultant for the Houston Dynamo and the Houston Aeros.
Her research efforts focus on proper baseline testing, concussion in female athletes, effects of physical exertion on cognition, and long-term consequences of repeated head injury in athletes. Dr. Ott has co‐authored publications on neuropsychological assessment in scholarly journals and frequently conducts presentations regarding the proper management of concussion.
Patrick Ohaver is a fan of the show and helping me improve the quality of the show notes. Email m and see how you can help too – info@sportsmedicinebroadcast.com
Dr. Ott and Dr. Bhojani were key in getting the Sports Neuropsychology Society to come to Houston to host the annual conference. they speak briefly about why they choose to support the society and how doctors need to work as part of a team for concussion management.
Dr. Summer Ott is part of an impressive team of doctors that treat and manage concussions. This is an introduction to managing them as a team of doctors talk given at the Sports Neuropsychology Society Annual Conference.
National concussion authority Dr. Summer Ott, PhD brings Chris Shields, DPT to discuss a relatively new treatment option for concussions that are taking extended periods of time. Keeping the heart rate below 60% of the max HR can improve patient function and help them move towards normalizing.
Sideline CT Scanner with MedLogic, Dr. Ott, and Brad Brown – 121
Dr. Summer Ott the Director of the Concussion Program for Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Sports Medicine joins us to figure how the Infrascanner from MedLogic can be used for high school sports setting. With 29 years in the NFL Brad Brown has some great insight into professional sports and in his new role as Director of Sports Medicine for Memorial Hermann. Janine McGowan and Pete Thompson did a great job answering questions and demonstrating this new technology.
Did you know a CT is as much radiation to the head as 300 – 400 chest X-rays? This new technology could help reduce exposure to radiation and speed the triage process
