Athletic Trainer

Coverage and Hours

Although I do not attend all events, all of the athletes are welcome to seek out my care. I am contracted to cover:

Daily athletic training room hours: 
Fall 3:30-6:30 p.m.   /   Winter 3:30-6:30 p.m.   /   Spring 3:30-5:30 p.m.
ATR Location: Office located on upper track level of Royals Athletic Center, near boys locker room

In the event of an injury, every effort is made to contact a parent or guardian. Should you have questions for me you may contact me via email at alexia.dutton@tria.com.  All efforts will be made to respond within one school day.

For after hours concerns please contact the athletic medicine hotline at (952) 920-8850 to speak to a certified athletic trainer.

Physician visits

At some point during the sports season it may be necessary for your child to see a physician. I can work with you to obtain an appointment with a sports medicine physician. It is important to keep open lines of communication with all members of the sports medicine team and I will communicate with the physician your child sees to ensure a safe return to play.

If your son/daughter is seen or treated by a physician for an injury or serious illness, they must bring a written note from the physician before they can return to practice or play in a game. This is a Minnesota State High School League Rule (Bylaw 107.00). This is for the student’s protection as well as to keep everyone informed as to the student’s readiness. If you forget to get a note, you can have one faxed to me at 952-988-4546.

Concussion Information

What is a Concussion?

In medical terms, a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). It occurs from either a direct blow to the head or elsewhere on the body that results in an impulsive force transmitted to the head (indirect blow). A TBI can cause a disturbance in brain function and information processing. Brain functions that control one’s coordination, learning, memory, and emotions are most commonly affected by a concussion injury.

Signs and Symptoms

A concussion can present with a wide array of symptoms that may or may not include:

• Altered mental status including confusion, inappropriate emotions, agitation or abrupt change in personality
• Blurred vision/double vision/seeing stars or black spots
• Dizziness, poor balance or unsteadiness
• Excessive or persistent headache
• Excessive fatigue/feel slowed down
• Feel “in a fog”
• Loss of consciousness
• Amnesia/memory problems
• Loss of orientation
• Vomiting
• Poor balance/coordination
• Ringing in ears
• Excessive sensitivity to light or loud noise
• Vacant stare/glassy eyed

Concussion – So What?

It is true that most concussions heal without issues or complications if handled properly. However, like any other injury, a brain injury should be given time to heal. Time to heal includes both physical and mental rest (free from mental straining and visual stimuli like video gaming and texting).

One of the most severe complications of brain trauma is intracranial bleeding or the development of a hematoma. The skull has no ability to expand to allow for brain swelling. If bleeding or swelling of the brain occurs, pressure in the skull rises and can cause brain injury. Hematomas develop immediately after an injury or hours later, so monitoring symptoms is critical. Bleeding from a brain injury can be life threatening.

Why do a baseline computer test (ImPACT)?

Neurocognitive tests, such as ImPACT, are helpful in providing objective information about how the brain is responding to injury.  ImPACT has two components: a pre and post concussion test. The pre-test is very valuable as the scoring represents one’s baseline (normal) brain function. The ImPACT test is then repeated post concussion. Results of the pre and post concussion tests are compared and care plans are then developed. If a pre-test was not completed prior to a concussion, an ImPACT post concussion test is still a reliable tool in the assessment of brain function. In addition, it is recommended that the ImPACT test be completed on an annual basis due to natural maturing of the brain which can lead to scoring changes over time.

What can I expect from Fairview’s Concussion Program?

Athletic trainers & Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care Physicians

• Will facilitate completion of baseline tests
• Will manage concussion symptoms and make recommendations for return to previous activity level
• Will facilitate post-concussion testing
• Will refer to other healthcare providers as needed, including neuropsychologists, neurologists and therapists who specialize in concussion management

When am I safe to return to activity?

A concussion patient should be free of symptoms and have returned to their normal sleeping and eating patterns as well as typical concentration levels at school and work before resuming high levels of activity. Once normal activities have resumed and there are no symptoms at rest, he/she is ready to try more demanding activities that increase his/her heart rate. Over time, activities will be increased as long as symptoms do not return. Progressive or graded return to participation allows the opportunity to assess brain healing and is the current recommended standard of care for concussion management and required by the MSHSL.

Concussion Procedural Information: Provided by Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL)

MSHSL Concussion Protocol

Stepwise Progression for Return:
(each step must be a minimum of 24 hours)

1. No activity, complete rest until all symptoms have resolved. Once asymptomatic, proceed to level 2.
2. Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary bike, no resistance training.
3. Sport specific exercise- for example, skating in hockey, running in soccer, progression addition of resistance training at steps 3 or 4.
4. Non-contact training drills.
5. Full contact training after medical clearance.
6. Game play

Under no circumstances should anyone return to activity while experiencing concussion signs or symptoms. There should be no return to activity on the same day concussion symptoms are noted or a formal diagnosis of a concussion is made.

For More Information:

• Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care’s Concussion Hotline: 
  952-460-4440
• Appointment Scheduling for Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care: 
  612-672-7100

Healing after a Sports Concussion

Rest

Rest is the best treatment for a sports concussion (injury to the brain). You should limit any mental effort that tires the brain. This would include watching TV, texting, playing video games. And do no physical activity until symptoms are gone.

You may sleep or nap during the day as long as it does not prevent you from sleeping at night. If you find it hard to fall asleep, talk to your doctor. You may need medicine to help you sleep.

School

You can rest your brain by staying at home for a time. The amount of time away from school will depend on the injury and the symptoms.

At school, some students may have trouble taking tests or working on a computer. Symptoms may get worse in band, choir, busy classes or a noisy lunchroom. A doctor can work wit the school if a student needs a special plan to help them succeed.

Treat Pain

• Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) for headaches and pain every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
• Do not take over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Benadryl, Aleve, sleep aides, or Tylenol PM. These drugs may cause new problems.
• If you cannot manage your pain with Tylenol, call your doctor or go to the emergency department.

Watch symptoms closely

Every day keep track of your symptoms. This will help your doctor see how well you are healing. Here are some things to write down:

• Your symptoms: headaches, stomach upset, feeling confused or dizzy, motion sickness, personality changes. Also record how often each one occurs and how long it lasts.
• What makes the symptoms worse?
• What makes you feel better?

If you have questions, call

• Concussion Hotline:  952-460-4440
• Athletic Medicine Hotline: 952-920-8850

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