pediatrician

Most sports-related concussions can be managed by a pediatrician, says Dr. Carla Morton, a pediatric neuropsychologist at Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, because they know the child the best. Where is there a need for specialized care, the pediatrician can decide which specialist the child should see.

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.

Because her daughter Heidi was experiencing post-concussion syndrome (PCS), and because her concussion made several pre-existing conditions worse, says Dorothy Bedford, a large team of different specialists - both traditional and alternative - were consulted in managing her care.