Area High Schools to Benefit From Concussion Program Provided by Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron

Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron will assist to make area high school athletes safer by continuing their use of the state-of-the-art ImPACT concussion program. The practice and its sports medicine specialists, Dr. Todd Murphy and Dr. Rajesh Makim, remain committed to the concussion management of our area’s youth by the repurchase of the concussion tool for its use in local schools. Athletes, parents and coaches seeking specialized concussion management care are encouraged to call (810) 985-4900 to be seen at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron’s office, located at 940 River Centre Drive.

Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron has provided the ImPACT concussion program to area high schools, including Port Huron High School and Port Huron Northern High School, since 2011. The program uses a computerized test that measures memory, attention span and visual and verbal problem solving. Each athlete is given the test before the season starts to determine their individual baseline. If an athlete sustains a head injury, he or she is given the test again. The scores are compared by medical professionals and used in assessing an athlete’s injury as well as in determining the athlete’s ability to return to play following a concussion.

“Most athletes who sustain a concussion are able to safely return to play after a short period of time,” says Dr. Murphy. “However, some athletes may have subtle symptoms that put them at significant risk to return to sports.”

Concussions are usually caused by a blow to the head and are common for athletes that play contact sports, such as football or hockey. However, a concussion can happen in any sport. Effects can be temporary and include headaches, memory loss, problems with concentration, lack of coordination and dizziness.

“ImPACT provides valuable data that can be used to track an athlete’s recovery and determine if they are safe to return to their activity,” says Dr. Murphy. “It is used by many professional teams, colleges and high schools.”

Dr. Murphy and Dr. Makim will be assisting area school athletic departments in working with the ImPACT concussion program’s computerized neurocognitive assessment tools.

For more information about Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron, the ImPACT concussion program or concussions, please call (810) 985-4900.