Safely returning athletes to play

Our Sports Concussion Program has been developed for the New Hampshire seacoast community, to appropriately evaluate, manage and safely return sports athletes to play. The Core Physicians and Exeter Hospital sports medicine team of concussion management experts is compromised of Sports Medicine physicians, Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, Certified Athletic Trainers, Physical and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapists as well as other specialists who can assist in the diagnosis and management of sports concussions.  We utilize the most current practices, guidelines and assessment tools to treat athletes of all ages and skill level.

Joseph Bernard, DO and Mark Reeder, MD are the physician leaders and specialty trained in concussion management care. Their protocol follows the Zurich and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for evaluation and treatment of concussions, which are nationally recognized. As a Team Physician at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), Dr. Bernard, has practiced these guidelines for many years.

Pre and Post Concussion Testing

Our concussion management approach also includes the use a computer based testing program called ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing). This program is designed specifically for athletes and offers a baseline neurocognitive test to establish a pre-injury state and a comparative post-injury test to help evaluate the concussed athlete's condition and track recovery for safe return to play.

Schedule a Baseline ImPACT Test

To schedule a baseline ImPACT test, to establish an athlete’s pre-injury state, please call 603-777-1000 or email Dr. Bernard or complete a baseline ImPACT test request form.

Concussion Management Services We Provide...

  • Preseason Baseline ImPACT testing
  • Post-injury ImPACT testing and interpretation by our team of experts
  • Evaluation and recommendation for return to play or work
  • Zurich and CDC guidelines for return to play protocol

We are are also proud to be a partner with Seacoast United; supporting coaches, parents, and athletes for concussion evaluation and management.

Additional Concussion Resources and Links

What is a Concussion?
A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a blow to the head. A concussion may cause you to become temporarily confused or disoriented, have memory loss (amnesia), or become unconscious.

CDC - Free Online Concussion Course for Coaches and Parents
In less than 30 minutes coaches and parents can learn about identifying a suspected concussion and how to respond.

Governor Lynch Signs NH Concussion Bill Into Law
The new law requires that a student-athlete suspected of having a concussion be removed from a game or practice immediately. The young athlete would only be allowed to play again if evaluated by a doctor and given written authorization to return.