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.
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.
If you’d like to request an appointment with one of our specialists, call 1.800.543.7362 (1.800.KIDS DOC®).
