Head Injury and Concussion Care Services
Whether it鈥檚 from falling, playing a sport or some type other of accident, injuries can happen and set us back. At Health and Wellness Services, we offer a variety of care options for students who have experienced a head injury or concussion to help them get back on their feet.
In case of emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Medical Services offers non-operative orthopedic and concussion care. We offer an interdisciplinary team approach in the evaluation and treatment of head injuries for all students. The team includes fellowship-trained sports medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists and psychologist. We also offer same day x-rays, onsite physical therapy and work very closely with local and in-house surgical specialists.
Concussion services:
Medical care:
- Urgent transfer to the emergency room when necessary
- Evaluation, diagnosis & management
- Return to school/classroom recommendations
- Basic academic accommodations
- Guidance with return to physical activity
- Referrals for imaging (x-rays & MRIs if necessary)
- Medication management for chronic symptoms that can worsen following injury
Physical therapy:
- Vision and balance rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation for headache management
- Neck and spine rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation to full functional and recreational participation using cardiovascular exercise, treadmill testing, strength training, sport specific training
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
- Difficulties with sadness, anxiety, focus and sleep can worsen following head injury
- Counseling services are available to assist in the recovery process, with a limited number of free visits
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Medication management
Assessing care:
We recommend students first get a medical evaluation by one of our sports medicine physicians or nurse practitioners at Medical Services to correctly diagnose their injury.
Call 303-492-5101 and ask for a "Concussion visit" or consult with a nurse to discuss symptoms
In emergency situations, walk in for an urgent evaluation or go to the emergency room.
Warning signs:
If you or someone you are with has a concussion, discontinue activity and get a medical evaluation.
Important precautions:
- Go to the emergency room if worsening of symptoms such as:
- Headaches that worsen; seizures
- Neck pain
- Very drowsy and can鈥檛 be awakened
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Inability to recognize people or places
- Increasing confusion
- Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- Unusual behavior change
- Increasing irritability
- Loss of consciousness
- Avoid high risk activity to prevent a repeat head injury
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs (this includes medications you can get with or without a prescription such as pain killers and Xanax and drugs like it)
Follow-up Care
Recreation Injury Care Center The Rec
Recreation Services offers drop-in athletic training services for all users of the Recreation Center. During open hours, patrons are welcome to meet one-on-one with an athletic trainer to have an injury evaluated. Services include acute care of injuries, clinical evaluations, therapeutic modalities, education in injury prevention, medical referrals and performance strategies. Athletic taping services are also available, but patrons must provide their own tape which can be purchased at the Guest Service reception desk for $3; walk-in clinic only.
The Athletic Training Room is open Fall and Spring Semester hours: Monday - Thursday 3 to 8 p.m.
Physical Therapy at Wardenburg Health Center
Physical therapists at Medical Services are available to treat overuse syndromes, postural imbalances, trauma and athletic injuries.
Students can also visit the for minor injuries involving muscles and joints by a physical therapist. This free walk-in clinic is available at Wardenburg Health Center during scheduled hours throughout the academic year and based on availability during the summer.