The Concussion Institute at Northside Gwinnett Medical-Duluth has provided important information for parents, coaches, teachers, and patients.  This is helpful information for everyone. The GFL and Northside Gwinnett Sports Medicine are proud partners for all things SAFETY!! The health and safety of our players and cheerleaders are our number one priority!! The GFL requires a baseline concussion test for all football players, 11 year old/12 year old/8th grade and recommended for all cheerleaders, 6th grade/7th grade/8th grade. The baseline tests are administered by Northside Gwinnett Sports Medicine - Concussion Institute, online at no cost to parents. Contact your association to obtain your "Customer Code".

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by either a direct or indirect blow to the head that is hard enough to disrupt the brain’s metabolic functioning. It is this metabolic disruption that causes the physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep-related symptoms of a concussion. The Centers for Disease Control estimates there are between 1.6 million and 3.8 million concussions in the United States every year—the majority of which are from sports injuries.

Concussion Symptoms

Symptoms are not always obvious. Most people who suffer a concussion do not get "knocked out" or experience any kind of memory loss. Most symptoms are more subtle, and we know now that even a “bell-ringer” is really a concussion.

A variety of other symptoms can be observed, however. These may appear right away, or they may be later that day or the next as physical or cognitive exertion is resumed.

Some symptoms are physical, such as drowsiness, headache or light sensitivity. Others are cognitive, such as difficulties concentrating or remembering new information. Sometimes emotions are more variable, or sleep routines may be disrupted.

Even though it might not sound like much, a fall or collision with another athlete can cause a concussion. To recognize the signs of a concussion, parents should watch for these most common symptoms of a concussion:

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Double or blurry vision
• Heightened sensitivity to lights or noises
• Dizziness, clumsiness or sleepiness
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
• Attention or concentration problems
• Memory loss, difficulties recalling the injury or trouble retaining new information
• Confusion
• Just not feeling "right"

It is important for athletes to report concussions in order to minimize the risk of permanent injury and prolonged symptoms.

The Concussion Institute at Northside Gwinnett Medical-Duluth is located at:
3855 Pleasant Hill Road
Hudgens Professional Building
Suite 130
Duluth, GA 30096

https://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/sports-medicine/concussion-institute/our-facility

Concussion Resources

https://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/sports-medicine/concussion-institute/resources-sports-medicine

Gwinnett Medical Center - Sports Medicine

https://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/sports-medicine