Episode # 111 • 25 Aug 2026
Best Practices for Concussion Care
How do you navigate the evolving science and controversy of concussion care in athletes and beyond? On this episode of BackTable Bone & Sports, Dr. Larry Balle welcomes Dr. Ryan Stempniak to break down the fundamentals and emerging advances in concussion management. They define concussion pathophysiology, highlight why most injuries occur without loss of consciousness, and discuss delayed symptom onset that can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
07:16 - Who Manages Concussions?
12:21 - Defining and Understanding Concussions
23:31 - Injury Mechanisms and Pathophysiology
26:56 - Recognizing and Grading Symptoms
35:00 - Assessment Tools: SCAT6 vs. SCOAT
38:34 - Return-to-Play and Return-to-Learn
50:42 - Medications, Supplements, and Treatment Advances
57:10 - Concussion Subtypes and Individualized Care
01:02:01 - Helmets, Wearables, and Emerging Technology
01:10:11 - AI, Imaging, and Research Directions
01:13:01 - Myths, Facts, and Protocol Updates
01:16:57 - Closing Thoughts
Resources
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More about this episode
The conversation covers mechanisms of injury, symptom assessment, sideline and office evaluation, and the critical role of return-to-learn before return-to-play. Drs. Balle and Stempniak discuss concussion subtypes, medication and supplement limitations, and the latest on helmets, wearables, and AI-driven research. They also emphasize individualized care plans, the importance of school and work accommodations, and practical strategies for clinicians managing this complex and ever-changing condition.
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