Utpal Patel, M.D. is
an Internal Medicine physician and ImPact Certified Concussion Specialist at
Murfreesboro Medical Clinic. As a concussion specialist, Dr. Patel is
passionate about advancing awareness and education of concussions and ImPact
evaluations for parents, coaches, athletic trainers, school educators and
administrators. On Thursday, April 26th he was invited to speak at Rutherford
County Schools’ in-service for elementary, middle and high school nurses.
Dr. Patel reviewed several concussion topics related to
these age groups – what to look for, how to treat them, and how to prevent
them. While concussions are primarily considered a result of sports injuries,
he reminded that student athletes are not the only ones at risk for concussion
injuries. Falling off a bike, bumping a head on a locker, or rough-housing with
siblings – these can all cause injuries that should be monitored by a medical
professional. Dr. Patel noted, “Their brains are still developing at the
elementary age – and even middle and high school – so it is important to
protect and monitor them.”
One of the most important parts of concussion recovery is
communication. This includes communication between medical professionals,
athletic trainers, parents, and educators. Clear communication of the type of injury,
treatment, and how the child is recovering is key to ensuring the right
treatments are taking place. Athletes may be eager to get back on the field
following a concussion, but recovery time is unique for every student. Dr.
Patel introduced the question, “Who makes the call for them to go back to play?
Not the parent or child or coach. This should always be the healthcare
professional.”
“Our job is to take care of the athlete and be their
advocate….it can be hard sometimes to tell them that they can’t go back in to
play,” Dr. Patel remarked. Ultimately the goal as medical professionals,
parents, and educators is to look out for the best interest of the student’s
future.
About MMC’s Internal
and Family Medicine Concussion Specialist
Dr. Patel and his team are part of MMC’s Internal and Family
Medicine department. They treat adults age 15 and up with concussion related
injuries. In addition, Dr. Patel is a team physician and medical director of
athletics for MTSU. With over 25
departments and more than 70 physicians, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic is a
trusted partner in treating an individual’s health care needs.
For more information about Dr. Patel’s Concussion Specialist
clinic, please visit mmclinic.com or call 615-278-7640 or 615-867-8010.
