Concussion is a common injury among children, adolescents, and young adults participating in organized sports and recreational activities. Any child or youth who has sustained a concussion should be removed from play immediately and be provided a full neuropsychological evaluation as soon as possible. Cognitive and physical rest are recommended to allow symptoms to resolve. Cognitive rest may require temporary school absence and/or a modified class work or homework load. A return to learn protocol can be enacted in accordance with CDC guidelines to help school faculty adjust to new impairments. After symptoms have completely resolved at rest and a full return to school is achieved, the student can progress through a medically supervised, stepwise exertion protocol to return to learn/play.
- Concussion evaluation includes clinical interview, cognitive testing, balance testing, and full report. This report can be used to obtain academic and sports related accommodations until symptoms have resolved. This report will follow guidelines outlined by the CDC. A full return to learn and return to play protocol will be provided.
- A Concussion evaluation can be done preceding injury through baseline testing. Baseline testing will provide data on a child’s functioning prior to sustaining any injury. This will be useful in determining the impact of future concussions or any acquired brain injury.
- A concussion evaluation is necessary to determine whether there are any cognitive or emotional symptoms which need to be addressed so that normal development is not impacted. Parents and teachers may notice changes in behavior and emotional stability post-concussion, which needs to be addressed through evaluation and treatment from a neuropsychologist.