Pediatric Concussion Program
The Institute for Sports Medicine at Lurie Children’s is uniquely qualified to evaluate, manage and treat concussions in children and adolescents.
A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a blow to the head or body. A concussion can affect a person’s physical and cognitive abilities and interrupt sleep patterns and emotional functioning. The number and severity of symptoms vary from person to person and can last from a few minutes to many months.
In the video below, Cynthia LaBella, MD, head of our concussion program, reviews the signs, symptoms and treatment methods for concussions. Learn more about concussion signs and symptoms.
Why Choose Lurie Children's
Because concussions can affect children’s cognitive abilities in school, we’ve structured the Concussion Program to address our patients’ academic needs, as well as provide them with appropriate guidance regarding safe return to sports and physical activities. Our team stays in contact with academic and athletic staff at the schools throughout the treatment process to make sure our patients have a smooth and appropriate transition back to both the classroom and to physical activities.
All of our patients are evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of concussion specialists, including pediatric sports medicine physicians, a pediatric advanced practice nurse and, certified athletic trainers; this team approach ensures comprehensive evaluation and management of each injury.
Additionally, all of our specialists are actively involved in pediatric concussion research to further global understanding of these injuries and improve treatment.
Our Specialists
The experienced team includes the following specialists:
- Pediatric sports medicine physicians
- A pediatric advanced practice nurse
- Pediatric physical and occupational therapists
- Certified athletic trainers
Cynthia R. LaBella, MD
Medical Director, Institute for Sports Medicine
Rebecca L. Carl, MD, MSCI
Attending Physician, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Brian T. Hang, MD
Attending Physician, Emergency Medicine, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Sigrid F. Wolf, MD
Attending Physician, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Kristi McCracken, MBA, ATC
Certified Athletic Trainer
Jacqueline Turner, MSN, APRN-NP, FNP-BC
Advanced Practice Nurse, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Make an Appointment
We offer easy online scheduling for your child's orthopedic needs.
Our Location
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
225 E. Chicago Ave.Chicago, Illinois 60611
312.227.4000
Pediatric Concussion Research
Lurie Children's Institute for Sports Medicine is engaged in several research studies to further our understanding of concussions and the best approach to treatment.
Resources & Support
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has numerous educational resources for athletes, parents, coaches and teachers as part of their Heads Up program, including an interactive website and app for coaches and parents to learn more about concussion and brain injury.
The following information is reviewed on the website:
- Brain injury basics
- Minimizing brain injury risks
- Finding a proper helmet
- Informational materials (videos, external links and downloadable PDFs)
- Clinician training for coaching staff
It is an excellent resource for the family that wishes to learn more on keeping their child healthy and safe.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has also released policy statements about the effects of concussions on learning and adolescents. Select a statement below to learn more.
- "Sports-Related Concussion in Children and Adolescents"
- "Returning to Learning Following a Concussion"
Return to Learn: A Guide for School Professionals
Because concussions can affect a child or teen’s ability to participate in school activities, many students benefit from academic accommodations at school. Lurie Children's Return to Learn module is a free online training unit that provides guidance for teachers, school nurses, counselors and administrators on how to integrate children and teens back into school following concussion.
Related News
Concussion in Teens
Every year, millions of teenagers in the US sustain concussions. Learn the signs, symptoms, and treatments for concussions in teens.
What to Do If a Child Hits Their Head
Most minor head bumps and bruises won’t cause serious harm, but it is important to watch for signs of more serious injury if your child hits their head.