ABSTRACT
This chapter presents reactions to injury case of Jan Smith, a Cirque du Soleil aerial performer. The chapter presents her case, the details of the post-concussion syndrome that she experienced, and discusses the role of concussion history, denial, and spirituality in her return to circus act. The interconnected nature of these factors is then explained through the integrated model of psychological response to sport-related concussion injury and rehabilitation (Wiese-Bjornstal, White, Russell, & Smith, 2015). Based on this case, an interprofessional care team was assembled, consisting of an athletic trainer, a certified mental performance consultant, and an ordained minister. Jan’s case was evaluated through each of these professionals’ lens. The chapter concludes with a discussion of ethical concerns, a review of referral considerations, and an update on Jan’s case three months later.
