SCASD Team Orthopedic Physician - Dr. Paul Sensiba
UOC is proud to be the sports medicine provider for the State College Little Lion Athletic teams. This partnership demonstrates our continuing commitment to support the development of student athletes and promote the principles of teamwork and performance excellence. Our services include care and prevention of athletic injuries, rehabilitation, emergency action planning, and facility development. Our staff of licensed athletic trainers (ATC, LAT) are certified through the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) as well as licensed through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine.
This test is administered to 7th, 9th, and 11th graders to establish a cognitive baseline. Baseline readings are also collected for new athletes and from any athlete that has switched to one of the below sports from another sport. If a concussion should occur, the ImPACT test is given to the injured person. This is compared to their baseline to determine if there are any neurocognitive deficits.
Participants in the following sports automatically receive baseline testing:
Football
Wrestling
Boys and Girls Soccer
Boys and Girls Lacrosse
Field Hockey
Boys and Girls Volleyball
Boys and Girls Basketball
Baseball
Softball
Cheerleading
Track (pole vault, hurdles)
SCASD Team Neuropsychologist - Dr. Ruben Echemendia
Psychological and Neurobehavioral Associates, Inc.
State College, PA
In the case of a suspected concussion:
Possible symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, loss consciousness, short or long-term memory problems, irritability, vomiting, lethargy, confusion, ringing in ears, balance problems, concentration problems, sensitivity to light or noise, unequal pupils, mental fogginess.
Treatment:Mental and physical rest. To rest mentally, avoid the computer, texting, video games, and possible school work. To rest physically, avoid all activities that may increase your heart rate or blood pressure.
Course of action:Consult with the athletic trainer, or a doctor as soon as possible.
What to do overnight: If symptoms worsen in severity, immediately consult a doctor or go to the Emergency Room for evaluation. Otherwise, avoid Advil/Ibuprofen, and Aleve. These can increase blood flow to the injured area of the brain, and is not advised. These pain medications can also mask symptoms while monitoring their severity. Awakening the athlete hourly during the night is not necessary.
High school protocol: The SCASD has a protocol concerning concussions that includes being symptom free for a period of time, meeting ImPACT test baseline, and a gradual increase in activity level before returning to full participation.
Sports Concussion: What Parents, Athletes and Coaches Need to Know
