With the start of the fall sports season, student athletes run the risk of getting a concussion.

What happens while players are still on the field or sidelines after a head injury is important in ensuring athletes recover well, according to three members of UVA Health’s comprehensive sports concussion service .

“A concussion is not detectable by CT scan or MRI,” said Dr. Jose Posas, a neurologist.

If a player loses consciousness, even for just a few seconds, in addition to the initial assessment from an athletic trainer or on-site health care professional, they “need at least a follow-up with a primary care physician or pediatrician, depending on the age,” Posas said.

However, if a player doesn’t lose consciousness, progressive worsening of symptoms is another sign of concussion, Pos

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