Concussion Treatment: A Complete Approach to Concussion Care
CHOC’s Concussion Program includes concussion-trained pediatricians, neurologists, neuropsychologists and neurosurgeons, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapists. Together, we partner closely with area coaches, school nurses and community providers to evaluate every child and teen who experiences a hit to the head.
Concussion-Trained Pediatricians: Your First Line of Defense
Most concussions are not severe, but they should still be taken seriously. They are best treated by a pediatrician with experience in concussion management. If your child or teen has symptoms of a concussion, talk to your pediatrician.
CHOC also offers pediatric concussion training for community pediatricians to learn the latest protocols in managing concussion in young patients. Please call 714-509-4291 for more information about provider training.
Expert Specialists: For Severe Pediatric Concussions and Post-Concussion Syndrome
For children and teens who have severe concussions or symptoms that aren’t improving (post-concussion syndrome), we offer a higher level of care through our neuroscience team. Patients seen at the CHOC Neuroscience Center receive comprehensive concussion treatment from our pediatric neurologists, as well as our pediatric neurosurgeons for injuries that may require surgery. The neuroscience team also includes pediatric psychologists who use specialized testing to determine the extent of brain impairment and recommend a custom plan for cognitive recovery.
ImPACT® Testing
For athletes who don’t have a history of concussion, our specialists use a computer-based tool called ImPACT® to establish a baseline of cognitive function. If an athlete then sustains a concussion, we are able to monitor the patient’s recovery by measuring attention span, memory, processing speed and reaction time, and comparing it to the patient’s baseline information.
Rehabilitation Therapy
Ongoing concussion symptoms may be best managed with physical, occupational and speech therapy. Our rehabilitation team has unique experience treating patients with concussion and is ready to help overcome any problems your child or teen may be experiencing. Learn more about our concussion rehabilitation program and services.
Coordination with Schools
Our concussion team partners with high school sports programs to mentor coaching staff and help manage an athlete’s post-concussion care. We also have developed concussion recovery guidelines with tips for school staff on returning students to school, sports and activities after concussion.
Pediatric Concussion Emergency Care
Our pediatric-dedicated emergency department is equipped and ready to treat any child or teen who sustains a concussion and requires immediate medical attention.
After-Hours Hotline
The CHOC Concussion Hotline is a resource for coaches, trainers, physicians and medical providers to consult with a pediatric neurologist and to coordinate an appointment for their athlete or patient. Our concussion experts provide immediate response, even on nights and weekends. Please call 714-509-4054 and press 1 for the Concussion Hotline.
Please note the Concussion Hotline is not intended for patients and families. Learn more about making an appointment here.