Comprehensive Concussion Care Programs and Outreach

Tahoe Forest Health System has developed a comprehensive concussion program that includes intervention, education and prevention programming. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden bump or blow to the head. Even a mild bump can be serious. Signs and symptoms of a concussion may appear immediately after injury or not until days or weeks later. If you suspect symptoms of concussion, seek medical attention right away.

Symptoms of Concussion

  • Person appears stunned, disoriented
  • Confused about instructions, moves clumsily, answers questions slowly
  • Loses consciousness, even briefly
  • Personality or behavior changes
  • Headache, pressure in head, dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Feeling sluggish or groggy

Medical Intervention and Outreach

Led by Dr. Nina Winans, a Board Certified Sports Medicine Physician with extensive experience and training in concussion management, Tahoe Forest Health System is working with the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) and local ski and sports teams to reach as many athletes as possible. A credentialed ImPACT Consultant, Dr. Winans oversees all local ImPACT testing and concussion education, research and patient management.

Neurology

Dr. Stephen Forner is a board certified neurologist with more than 35 years of treating neurological disorders in adults and children. With a special interest in mile traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and concussions, Dr. Forner offers neurological consultation and treatment of post-concussion neurological symptoms such as headache, neck pain, dizziness, balance disorders, and cognitive problems.

ImPACT Testing

ImPACT testing is the most widely used and scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. Upon enrollment in the program, a child or athlete takes a baseline test and the results are stored on a secure and private computer server. If a concussion is suspected in the future, a follow-up ImPACT test is performed after a full clinical evaluation is complete and symptoms have resolved. The post-injury test is compared with the baseline test to help the medical practitioner determine whether the brain is fully healed and the child or athlete can return to activity. ImPACT baseline testing is administered to all athletes of TTUSD as well as Far West Skiing.

Additional Concussion Care Programs

  • Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Research Project
  • Physical Therapy
  • Speech Language Pathology
  • Nutrition Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy

Learn More

For questions about ImPACT Testing and concussion education, please call the Tahoe Forest Center for Health at (530) 587-3769.

To schedule a medical evaluation for concussion, please call Nina Winans, MD Sports Medicine at (530) 582-7488.

Sports Physicals

Annual Well Child Checks are encouraged for all youth through 18 years of age. Regular annual checkups help medical providers can keep track of changes in physical, mental and social development and address concerning behaviors, such as vaping, smoking and drinking. A comprehensive physical provides an opportunity for youth to discuss questions about sexual or mental health with a medical professional in a confidential setting while also providing an opportunity for preventive health care such as Tdap and HPV immunization updates.

While full Well Child Checks are encouraged annually, Sports Physicals are also available if a Well Child Check is not covered by insurance (i.e. a full 365 days has not passed since the last Well Child Check). A Sports Physical, also referred to as a Pre-participation Physical Examination, before athletic activity is important to determine whether it's safe to participate in a particular sport. The ultimate goal of a Sports Physical is to ensure safe participation in sports, not to disqualify the participants. It focuses on well-being as it relates to playing a sport and is more limited than a regular physical.

Sports Physicals are available at the Center for Health with Nina Winans, MD.

Sports Medicine

Nina Winans, MD

Dr. Winans is a Board Certified Family and Sports Medicine Physician. She serves as the Medical Director for the Wellness Neighborhood and Tahoe Truckee Unified School District. Her office is located at Tahoe Forest Sports Medicine and Therapy Services at 10710 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161, clinic phone number (530) 582-7488.

Sports Medicine Community Outreach Program for TTUSD

The Sports Medicine Community Outreach Program (SMOCP) is a group of volunteer doctors and physical therapists who donate their time and effort to TTUSD. Most of these volunteers are parents of current TTUSD athletes. These doctors are on call to provide support to the athletes during high-risk athletic competitions.

SMOCP Members include:

  • Christopher Skaff, MD (Emergency Medicine)
  • Gina Barta, MD (Family Medicine)
  • Gregg Paul, MD (Family Medicine)
  • Greg Booth, PT, OCS, CFMT (Physical Therapy, Owner of Sierra Nevada Physical Therapy)

Athletic Trainer

TFHD provides TTUSD with the service of a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). The ATC attends athletic practices and is on site for most home hosted NIAA games/competitions to provide medical care for any potential injuries as well as help athletes prevent and rehabilitate injuries. The ATC works under the supervision of the sports medicine physician and closely with TFHD physical therapists.

The ATC is available to provide screenings and education on a variety of topics including concussion management, prevention of injuries, sports-specific warm ups, athletic nutrition and functional movement screening. If you or your team would like additional sports-focused education please call the Tahoe Forest Center for Health at (530) 587-3769.