Concussion Treatment & Recovery

A chiropractor's role in concussion testing and treatment is similar to that of a pediatrician, says Dallas-based chiropractor and strength and conditioning coach, Steve Horowtiz, D.C., CSCS, in that he or she needs to know about the importance of core and neck strengthening and range of motion in preventing concussions, and about the importance of baseline testing (neurocognitive, visual, and balance) in concussion treatment.

Most pediatricians can handle uncomplicated concussions, says a top sports neuropsychologist, but parents may need to ask for a referral if their child's doctor isn't comfortable treating concussions, or where the concussion is more complicated, such as where recovery is taking longer than expected, or where the athlete has a history of concussions.

Make sure that the neuropsychologist involved in your child's treatment after concussion has training in concussion assessment and treatment, has kept up with evolving research and practice guidelines, and understands athletes and sports culture, says neuropsychologist Elizabeth M. Pieroth, Psy.D, Associate Director of the Sports Concussion Program of NorthShore Medical Group and consultant to the Chicago Bears and Cubs.

Return to learn is just as important as return to play, says a top neuropsychologist and it is important to assess a child's individual symptoms and what triggers them to determine what adjustments to the school day are appropriate.

Emerging science and expert consensus are challenging the notion that an extended period of complete cognitive and physical rest after concussion is necessary for recovery, and that concussed athletes need no more than 1-2 days rest at home, after which they should return to school with modifications to the school day as needed.

In a fact-filled and informative SmartTeams Talk™, a leading expert on gender and concussions reviews the research finding differences in concussion risk and outcomes between female and male athletes, and how MomsTEAM's SmartTeams™ program is designed to increase concussion reporting through education.

A practicing sports concussion neuropsychologist and leading concussion researcher, Dr. Rosemarie Moser, talks about why it is so important for student-athletes to get cognitive rest after a concussion, what cognitive rest means, and why she urges athletes to "love their brain, love their sport," which means not returning to sports for around 3 weeks after their concussion symptoms are gone.