Concussion Care & Sway Testing

Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin provides comprehensive concussion care, including advanced Sway testing and individualized return-to-play recommendations.

Concussions are common sports-related injuries that require prompt evaluation and careful management. Returning to school, work, or athletics too quickly can increase the risk of prolonged symptoms and further injury. Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin offers comprehensive concussion care using evidence-based protocols and advanced Sway testing technology to guide recovery and return-to-activity decisions.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that disrupts normal brain function.

Common Causes

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over several hours.

Physical Symptoms

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Balance problems

Cognitive Symptoms

  • Memory difficulties
  • Confusion
  • Slowed thinking
  • Difficulty concentrating

Emotional Symptoms

  • Irritability
  • Mood changes
  • Anxiety

Sleep-Related Symptoms

  • Increased fatigue
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Excessive sleepiness

What Is Sway Testing?

Sway is a mobile-based concussion assessment tool that helps providers evaluate neurological function.

What Sway Measures

  • Balance
  • Reaction time
  • Cognitive processing
  • Coordination

Benefits of Sway Testing

  • Objective performance data
  • Baseline comparisons when available
  • Quick assessment
  • Ongoing recovery monitoring

Concussion Evaluation

Our providers perform a comprehensive assessment that may include:

Medical History

Review of symptoms, injury details, and previous concussions.

Neurological Examination

Assessment of:

  • Balance
  • Coordination
  • Vision
  • Memory
  • Cognitive function

Sway Assessment

Objective testing to help guide treatment recommendations.

Concussion Treatment and Recovery

Early Management

  • Physical rest
  • Cognitive rest
  • Symptom monitoring

Return-to-Learn Guidance

Recommendations for safely returning to school or academic activities.

Return-to-Work Guidance

Individualized recommendations based on symptoms and job requirements.

Return-to-Play Protocol

Athletes progress through a stepwise return-to-play process under medical supervision.

OUR SPORTS MEDICINE SPECIALISTS

Ljiljana Bogunovic, MD

Specialties:
Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine

Jon M. Englund, MD

Specialties:
Sports Medicine, Knee, Hip, Shoulder, Spine, Foot & Ankle, Elbow, Hand & Wrist

KOREY B. KASPER, MD

Specialties:
Sports Medicine, Non-Operative & Regenerative Orthopedic Care and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Rick F. Papandrea, MD

Specialties:
Shoulder, Elbow, & Sports Medicine, Joint Replacement (Shoulder & Elbow)

Ryan C. Stefanczyk, MD

Specialties:
Sports Medicine and Spine

Samuel Steiner, MD

Specialties:
Knee, Shoulder & Sports Medicine

Thomas B. Viehe, MD

Specialties:
Knee, Sports Medicine, Foot & Ankle

Hongsheng Zhu, MD, Ph.D

Specialties:
Foot, Ankle, Knee & Sports Medicine, Joint Replacement (Knee & Ankle)

Comprehensive Care and Treatment of Concussions in Wisconsin

Our sports medicine specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of athletic injuries—from sprains, strains, and overuse conditions like tennis elbow to ligament tears, fractures, and joint instability. Whether you’re recovering from a sudden injury or managing chronic pain, we offer personalized, activity-focused treatment plans to restore strength, mobility, and performance.