University News

UVA expands elite concussion care to all students

Beginning this fall, the concussion management protocol developed for University of Virginia student-athletes will become the standard of care for all students at Student Health and Wellness, thanks to a new $300,000 grant from the Jefferson Trust.

Jake Resch, an associate professor of kinesiology and athletic trainer at UVA’s School of Education and Human Development, is the principal investigator on the concussion protocol grant. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

By implementing the Sport as a Laboratory Assessment Model, or SLAM, used to evaluate collegiate athletes with concussions, UVA Student Health and Wellness aims to enhance the high-level clinical care all UVA students receive following a concussion. The new program is called the Jefferson Concussion Access for Recovery, Exercise and Support, or CARES.

“We want the entire UVA student body to receive the exact same care as the ‘Power Five’ Division 1 student-athletes here receive,” said Jake Resch, associate professor of kinesiology and athletic trainer at the School of Education and Human Development, the principal investigator on the grant.

Student Health and Wellness and UVA Health providers, including the Jefferson CARES team, developed a comprehensive, interdisciplinary model for concussion management in 2017. Now, Resch, a concussion expert, and other researchers from across Grounds are using SLAM to diagnose, treat and support students with concussions, helping them return to the classroom and daily life sooner following an injury.

Jake Resch giving a talk to a student in front of a smart board displaying a flow chart

Resch reviews the concussion protocol with Emma Schwartz, the Jefferson CARES clinical research coordinator. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

The interdisciplinary research team is creating a support system for students to include easy symptom tracking, rehabilitation, academic support and specialized care, when required. Health care providers at UVA Student Health and Wellness typically treat between 200 and 300 concussed students per year. Most of the concussions are caused by falls, hits to the head, and scooter or motor vehicle accidents.

“Believe it or not, most concussions happen during everyday activities, not just sports,” Dr. Meredith Hayden, chief medical officer of UVA Student Health and Wellness, said. “That’s why (Student Health and Wellness) is here as the first stop after any non-emergency head injury.”

At the first visit, clinicians will review the student’s medical history, including past concussions, review what happened, assess symptoms, and perform a physical exam.

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“Most of the time, no scans or tests are needed. It’s all about a careful clinical evaluation,” Hayden said. “We want students to get better, not fall behind. When a head injury is reported early, we can start treatment quickly. That means a faster recovery and less disruption to academics and life.”

Following a concussion, students can access the new system to track their daily symptoms. The digital system is designed to automatically trigger several elements of care, including safe exercise, notifications to faculty for academic adjustments and referrals for further specialized care, if needed.

“Early identification of students who may experience symptoms for an extended period may lead to early intervention and promote a more typical recovery,” Resch said.

Additionally, the digital system can alert Student Health and Wellness’s Student Disability Access Center to provide students with academic support if a student experiences symptoms for a prolonged period.

Jake Resch monitoring a student on a treadmill and speaking to other specilaists

From left, Schwartz, Resch and Nick Roche of the Fried Center of the Advancement of Potential examine exercise protocols used to help students recover after a concussion. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

Besides access to the Department of Kinesiology’s concussion lab, the new program will also leverage additional resources in Student Health and Wellness. Students will have access to the Fried Center for the Advancement of Potential, where they can participate in an exercise regimen to promote recovery shortly after the diagnosis of a concussion. Alumnus Dan Rosenblum developed the regimen.

“This project brings together multiple care teams under one umbrella to treat the individual and their specific concussion,” said Keith Thomson, athletic trainer and primary staff member for UVA Health’s Orthopedic Sports Clinic. “We are able to have a student evaluated and seen by specialists within days, not weeks, if necessary, helping them get on the road to recovery sooner and hopefully have less academic and social impact.”

The program is part of the evolution of SLAM, which was created by the late Jeffrey Barth, a UVA professor and a pioneer in clinical neuropsychology. Alumna Cat Donahue, a kinesiologist, digitized the enhanced protocol, overseen by Resch.

“Dr. Barth paved the way for my career as a researcher,” Resch said. “I believe he would be proud to see his model, which was originally developed to evaluate concussion in collegiate football players, serve UVA students and the community.”