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Pediatric concussions

Our program uses advanced evaluation and personalized treatment to support children through concussion recovery and guide families toward a safe, confident return to school and daily activities.

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Symptoms of concussions in kids

Whether it’s in the midst of athletic competition or on the playground, pediatric concussions sometimes occur. When they do, children may experience a range of symptoms, including headaches, memory loss, a ringing sensation in the ears, tiredness or changes in sleep habits, nausea and vomiting.

Concussion evaluation and baseline testing

At Atlantic Health, we’re equipped to evaluate pediatric concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries and determine an appropriate time to safely resume school or physical activities. We use Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT™), which measures several aspects of brain activity, including memory, reaction time, attention span and processing speed. A baseline test is often done when the patient is healthy so that if he or she suffers a concussion, we have a reference point to determine the severity of the injury.

Children who have a concussion will be encouraged to rest and limit both mental and physical exertion. The length of rehabilitation depends on the severity of the concussion, but most patients make a complete recovery.            

Our physician services are provided through Atlantic Medical Group and are on staff at Goryeb Children’s Hospital.

Concussion treatment

Our pediatric neurologist and pediatric physiatrist specialize in evaluating children with concussions and determining the best course of treatment. Most patients make a full recovery by resting and limiting mental and physical exertion. Those who do not recover within the typical time frame may be referred to physical therapy, vestibular therapy, vision therapy and neuropsychology. If headaches persist, we may also recommend a visit to our pediatric headache specialist.

Concussion education

Our concussion program works with local schools to educate parents, teachers and coaches so they know how to properly support a child with a concussion, both in the classroom and on the field of play.

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