Essentia Health’s Concussion Program ensures personalized support, education

Essentia Health has updated its Concussion Program to better reflect changes in the philosophy of concussion treatment and a deeper understanding of the brain and body. The redesigned program addresses often-misunderstood symptoms associated with concussions while offering personalized support for patients.

"Concussion treatment is constantly evolving and improving, so we want to be that resource to give our patients the most up-to-date options," said Stephanie Gogolin, an Essentia athletic trainer and one of the leaders of the Concussion Program.

Essentia's concussion care team members start with an initial evaluation by calling referred patients to assess symptoms, gather information and connect them to other therapies as needed. In-person visits are scheduled depending on patients’ needs and symptoms.

Central to the program are "concussion calls." After the initial evaluation, the program operates through follow-up calls made by athletic trainers to ensure patients get the attention they need. Each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs, ensuring personalized care and better outcomes.

Essentia's Concussion Program guides patients through a 48-hour rest period followed by a gradual return to their daily routines. The goal is to help them return to doing the things they love as quickly — and as safely — as possible. A "return to play" exertion test administered by Essentia’s physical therapists can help determine a patient’s readiness for a return to normal activities. 

Returning to activity that could cause a repeat head injury is extremely dangerous if the initial concussion hasn’t resolved," Gogolin says. "This testing has been standard practice for many years for athletes who have access to an athletic trainer through their school or league. Offering this service to the entire community is an important piece in comprehensive concussion management."

While most concussions recover within two to four weeks, 10-15% may have a longer recovery time.

Essentia’s Concussion Program has helped more than 2,300 patients since debuting in 2021. It is comprised of a robust team of experts, including athletic trainers, physicians, therapists and rehabilitation specialists.

If you are concerned about a possible concussion, contact your primary care provider. Schedule an appointment through the MyChart patient portal or by calling 1-844-663-1068. Visit EssentiaHealth.org for more options.

Catching symptoms early is key: The Concussion Program aims to provide timely treatment, thereby reducing or eliminating prolonged suffering. It focuses on patients who have had a suspected head injury or who display related symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, sleep disruption, light or sound sensitivity and difficulty concentrating, among others. Remember that symptoms can arise a couple days after an injury or be mistakenly dismissed as mild issues.

Did you know: According to a 2023 study, about 14% of high school students in the U.S. reported at least one concussion resulting from playing sports or being physically active within the previous 12 months.