Concussion Management for Primary Care

Concussions are increasing in incidence each year, and each state has a law on management of concussions in children. These factors strengthen the need for primary care providers to be well-versed in the evaluation and management of them. This text provides primary care physicians and clinicians with an evidence-based yet practical approach to diagnosing and treating concussions in children and adults.

The book begins with a general overview of concussions. It then goes on to identify risks, signs and symptoms of concussions. Next, physicians and providers learn when and how to perform appropriate physical exams for suspected concussions. The following chapters focus on finding the correct type of testing to perform in suspected concussions. The testing options addressed include diagnostic, neurocognitive and imaging. Return-to-learn and return-to-play recommendations are then discussed to ensure that providers are able to properly educate patients on them. The book concludesby explaining post-concussion syndrome and identifying methods to prevent concussions and complications in the future. Each chapter presents a specific case along with 3-5 followup questions as well as a summary of key concepts. 

Written from the unique perspective of a primary care physician who also specializes in sports medicine and concussions, Concussion Management for Primary Care is a first-of-its-kind book that serves as a valuable resource for primary care physicians, sports medicine physicians and any other clinician treating patients suffering from a possible concussion.

Dr. Patel is board-certified in family medicine and primary care sports medicine.  He practices family and sports medicine in Yorkville and Aurora, IL. He also serves as Director of Sports Medicine for Rush Copley Family Medicine Residency Program in Aurora, IL. His additional teaching affiliation is as Assistant Professor at Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL. 

He has served as concussion consultant for several area high schools and helped to develop concussion policies and protocols. Dr. Patel has authored, mentored, and served as section editor for several publications and textbooks on family medicine, but more often on sports medicine topics. He has served on a evidence-based concussion working group for the American Academy of Neurology as the only primary care or sports medicine physician.  

As a primary care physician, he is uniquely qualified to deliver education from a specialist perspective but geared toward the primary care provider.  He lectures on sports medicine topics at local, regional, and national CME events.  One of his frequently presented topics is concussions.

He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, education committee member of American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. Currently, he is also the team physician for Plano and Oswego High Schools. Throughout his career, he has served as team physician for high schools, Division-I Universities, and Semi-Professional sports teams.