Concussion Evaluation
and Return-to-Play
Care in Astoria, NY
Physician-supervised concussion evaluation and structured return-to-play guidance at BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) — serving Astoria, Long Island City, Woodside, and the surrounding Queens community.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a direct or indirect force to the head, neck, or body. This force causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull, temporarily disrupting normal brain function. Concussions are functional injuries — meaning they affect how the brain works rather than causing visible structural damage on standard imaging.
At BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) in Astoria, Queens, our licensed medical providers evaluate patients with suspected concussions using established clinical assessment tools. Concussion management is a core component of our sports medicine and orthopedics program, and we serve athletes of all ages — from youth sports participants to adult recreational players and working professionals.
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for: loss of consciousness lasting more than a minute, repeated vomiting, seizures, worsening headache over time, weakness or numbness in arms or legs, slurred speech, or inability to recognize familiar people or places. These are signs of a potentially serious brain injury that requires emergency evaluation. BreezeMed treats non-life-threatening conditions only.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Concussion diagnosis and return-to-play decisions must be made by a licensed medical provider following a clinical evaluation. Individual recovery times and treatment plans vary significantly between patients.
Recognizing Concussion Symptoms
Concussion symptoms vary widely between individuals and may not appear immediately after the injury. Some symptoms develop over hours or days. A licensed medical provider must evaluate and diagnose a concussion — it cannot be reliably self-diagnosed, and absence of visible injury does not rule out a concussion.
Our providers at BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) conduct a structured symptom assessment as part of every concussion evaluation. If you or your child experienced a head impact during sport or activity, early evaluation is always recommended — even if symptoms seem mild.
Symptom Categories
Physical Symptoms
Headache, pressure in the head, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light or noise, fatigue.
Cognitive Symptoms
Feeling mentally "foggy," difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, memory problems, confusion, difficulty following conversations.
Emotional Symptoms
Irritability, sadness, mood swings, increased emotional sensitivity, anxiety, feeling more emotional than usual.
Sleep Disturbances
Sleeping more or less than usual, difficulty falling or staying asleep, drowsiness during the day, changes in sleep pattern.
Concussion symptoms do not always appear at the time of injury. Symptoms may be absent immediately after impact and develop over the following hours or days. An athlete who reports no symptoms immediately after a head injury should still be evaluated by a licensed provider — particularly before returning to sport.
Who Should Seek a Concussion Evaluation?
- Any athlete who sustained a head impact during sport, practice, or training
- Anyone who experienced a fall, motor vehicle accident, or work-related head injury
- Student athletes required to obtain written medical clearance under New York State law
- Patients with persistent headache, cognitive fog, or balance issues after a head injury
- Athletes with a prior concussion history who sustained a new head impact
- Parents or coaches concerned about a child or athlete following any head contact
Your Concussion Evaluation at BreezeMed
BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) conducts structured concussion evaluations using clinically validated assessment methods. Our licensed medical team takes a thorough approach — not just checking for obvious symptoms, but assessing the full clinical picture to guide safe, individualized recovery.
What Your Evaluation Includes
- Detailed injury history — mechanism of injury, loss of consciousness, presence and timing of symptom onset, prior concussion history
- Symptom inventory — using validated tools such as the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) symptom checklist to quantify and monitor symptom burden
- Cognitive assessment — orientation, attention, short-term memory, and concentration testing
- Neurological examination — cranial nerve assessment, pupil response, balance and coordination testing, and evaluation for red-flag signs
- Vestibular and visual screening — balance evaluation, eye movement testing, and assessment of vestibulo-ocular function where clinically indicated
- Red flag screening — to identify symptoms requiring emergency referral or advanced imaging (CT, MRI)
- Patient and family education — clear guidance on cognitive and physical rest, return-to-learn, activity restrictions, warning signs, and when to return for re-evaluation
- Documentation for schools and leagues — written removal-from-play and return-to-play clearance letters compliant with New York State requirements
BreezeMed has on-site digital X-ray available when clinically indicated — for example, to evaluate for cervical spine injury or skull fracture where clinically appropriate. X-ray does not diagnose concussion, but may be part of a thorough head and neck evaluation following trauma.
Concussion Management and Return-to-Play Protocol
Concussion management is not one-size-fits-all. At BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC), our providers develop individualized recovery plans based on each patient's symptom profile, injury history, age, sport, and overall health. The foundation of concussion management is a structured, stepwise return-to-activity approach — allowing the brain time to recover before increasing physical or cognitive demands.
New York State Law and Concussion Clearance
Under New York State's Concussion Management and Awareness Act (Education Law Section 305-a), any student athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion must be removed from athletic activity immediately and may not return until they have received written clearance from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) can provide this required documentation for schools, sports leagues, and athletic programs throughout Astoria and Queens.
The Graduated Return-to-Play (RTP) Protocol
The graduated return-to-play protocol is the internationally recognized standard for safely returning athletes to sport following concussion. Each step must be completed with a minimum of 24 hours between stages, and the athlete must remain completely symptom-free at each stage before advancing.
Symptom-Limited Rest
Complete physical and cognitive rest until asymptomatic at rest. Limit screen time, reading, and mentally demanding activities. Duration varies by individual.
Goal: Achieve baseline symptom resolutionLight Aerobic Exercise
Walking, swimming, or stationary cycling at low intensity. No resistance training. If symptoms return, step back to Stage 1.
Goal: Increase heart rate without symptom recurrenceSport-Specific Exercise
Running, skating drills, or sport-specific movements. No head-impact activities. Increase exercise intensity while monitoring for symptoms.
Goal: Add movement without contact or collision riskNon-Contact Training Drills
More complex drills, resistance training, and coordination exercises. Still no contact with opponents. Cognitive load increases at this stage.
Goal: Restore exercise tolerance and sport-specific skillsFull-Contact Practice
Participation in normal training activities following written medical clearance from a licensed provider. Contact and collision permitted after clearance is obtained.
Goal: Restore confidence and assess functional performanceReturn to Competition
Full return to game play. The athlete is clinically cleared and has successfully completed all prior stages without symptom recurrence.
Goal: Full unrestricted athletic participationReturning to sport before full recovery significantly increases the risk of second impact syndrome — a rare but potentially catastrophic condition in which a second concussion occurs before the brain has recovered from the first. Your provider at BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) will guide the pace of your return based on your individual clinical progress.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
Many concussions go unevaluated — either because the athlete minimizes symptoms, the injury is not recognized at the time of impact, or access to medical care is delayed. Early evaluation by a licensed provider allows for proper diagnosis, appropriate activity restrictions, and a monitored recovery plan that reduces the risk of prolonged symptoms and complications.
BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) also offers Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) for patients managing ongoing rehabilitation between visits, and virtual care follow-up for convenient check-ins during the recovery period.
| Reason to Seek Early Evaluation | Benefit | At BreezeMed |
|---|---|---|
| Suspected head impact during sport or activity | Accurate diagnosis and appropriate activity restrictions from day one | Walk-In Available |
| Student athlete requiring NY State clearance documentation | Written return-to-play letter for school, league, or athletic program | Provided |
| Prior concussion history with new head impact | Heightened monitoring and individualized recovery timeline | Available |
| Persistent post-concussion symptoms beyond 2 weeks | Assessment for post-concussion syndrome and referral coordination if needed | Available |
| Need for convenient, accessible care near Astoria | Open daily 9 AM to 9 PM — no long waits for appointments | Available |
| Virtual follow-up between in-person visits | Secure telehealth check-ins during recovery period | Available |
Why Patients in Queens Choose BreezeMed
Residents of Astoria, Long Island City, Woodside, Ditmars Steinway, Jackson Heights, and the surrounding Queens neighborhoods choose BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) because we combine accessible, physician-led clinical care with the convenience of a neighborhood clinic open every day of the year.
Physician-Led Sports Medicine Care
All concussion evaluations at BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) are performed or directly supervised by licensed medical providers under physician oversight. Learn more about our sports medicine and orthopedics program and our medical team.
New York State Compliant Clearance Letters
We provide written return-to-play and return-to-learn clearance documentation meeting New York State Concussion Management and Awareness Act requirements — accepted by schools, youth leagues, collegiate programs, and adult sports organizations.
Open Daily 9 AM to 9 PM
Head injuries do not wait for weekday office hours. BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) is open 365 days a year — walk-ins are accepted, and same-day appointments are available for concussion evaluations.
Integrated Multi-Service Clinic
Beyond concussion care, BreezeMed offers injury treatment, regenerative care (PRP), Remote Therapeutic Monitoring, and virtual care — supporting your full recovery journey under one roof.
Individualized Recovery Plans
Each patient's concussion history, age, sport, and symptom burden are different. Our providers tailor the return-to-play timeline and activity restrictions to your specific clinical picture — not a generic protocol applied to everyone.
Conveniently Located on Steinway Street, Astoria
3274 Steinway Street, Astoria NY 11103 — accessible by bus, subway, or car from Astoria, Long Island City, Woodside, and Jackson Heights. Get directions and contact information.
Common Questions About Concussion Care
Have a question not answered below? Contact our team directly or book an evaluation and ask your provider in person.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a direct or indirect force to the head, neck, or body that results in the rapid movement of the brain within the skull. It is a functional injury — meaning it affects how the brain works — rather than a structural one visible on standard imaging. A licensed medical provider must evaluate and diagnose a concussion; it cannot be reliably self-diagnosed.
Certain symptoms require immediate emergency evaluation — call 911 or go to the nearest ER for: loss of consciousness lasting more than a minute, repeated vomiting, seizures, worsening headache, weakness or numbness in limbs, slurred speech, or inability to recognize people or places. For less severe symptoms following head injury, a physician evaluation at BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) may be appropriate. When in doubt, always err toward emergency care.
No. Under New York State law and established sports medicine guidelines, any athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion must be removed from play immediately and may not return to play on the same day. Return to play requires written medical clearance from a licensed healthcare provider following symptom resolution and completion of a graduated return-to-play protocol.
A graduated return-to-play (RTP) protocol is a six-step process used to safely reintroduce an athlete to physical activity following concussion. Each step involves progressively increasing levels of exertion, with a minimum of 24 hours between steps. The athlete must remain completely symptom-free at each stage before advancing. The protocol is individualized by a licensed provider based on the patient's clinical presentation and recovery progress.
Yes. New York State's Concussion Management and Awareness Act (Education Law Section 305-a) requires that student athletes suspected of sustaining a concussion be removed from athletic activity and may not return until evaluated and cleared in writing by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) can provide this evaluation and written clearance documentation.
Concussion evaluation is available as a walk-in or scheduled appointment at BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC). Walk-ins are accepted daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. You can also book an appointment online or call (347) 354-1328. If you are experiencing severe or worsening symptoms, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Yes. BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) can provide written return-to-play clearance documentation required by New York State schools, sports leagues, and athletic programs. Clearance is provided following a physician evaluation, symptom resolution, and successful completion of the graduated return-to-play protocol.
Most concussions in adults resolve within 7 to 14 days with appropriate management and activity restriction. Recovery in younger patients — particularly adolescents — may take longer. Individual recovery times vary based on severity of injury, prior concussion history, compliance with rest and activity restrictions, and other health factors. A licensed provider at BreezeMed (Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC) will monitor your recovery and guide your return-to-activity timeline at each step.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Evaluation and treatment of concussion require assessment by a licensed medical professional. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Coverage for services varies based on insurance plan, medical necessity, and eligibility. Some services may not be covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Services are provided in accordance with New York State scope-of-practice regulations.
Compliance Note: BreezeMed is the trade name of Health Wellness Medical Astoria PLLC, a physician-owned professional limited liability company. Administrative and non-clinical services are provided by Shifa Care Group LLC (MSO). All clinical services are delivered by licensed medical professionals in compliance with New York State law.