A concussion is a brain injury caused by a hit or sudden jolt to the head or body. We specialize in concussion care designed for the developing brain and your child’s overall well-being.
Our Approach to Treating Concussions in Athletes
Scottish Rite specializes in sport-related concussions in kids and teens. We use the latest research to guide care decisions and strategies to improve recovery and reduce the risk of repeat injury.
Concussion recovery can be frustrating and stressful for both young athletes and their families. Symptoms can affect school, sport, sleep and daily life. Our team helps your child recover safely and confidently.
Concussion visits may take longer than a typical appointment. We take time to understand your child’s current symptoms, health history and personal goals. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your child’s age, activity level and daily demands.
Team-based Concussion Care
All concussion care is guided by pediatric sports medicine physicians who work closely with certified athletic trainers. Depending on your child’s needs, their care team may also include physical therapists, psychologists, neurologists or other specialists. Together, the team evaluates how your child’s brain is functioning and tracks symptoms over time.
We adjust care based on age, sport, position or level of competition, as well as recovery progress. When needed, we coordinate with schools, coaches and outside providers to support a safe return to school and sports.
What Causes a Concussion?
Concussions most often occur during sports and physical activity. However, they can also happen outside of sports during everyday activities.
Common causes include:
- Contact or collision during sports, such as football, soccer or basketball
- Falls during sports, training or everyday activities
- Being struck by an object, such as a ball
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Accidental blows to the head or body outside of sports
Even without a direct hit to the head, a forceful movement can cause a concussion. If your child develops symptoms after an injury, we can help.
Symptoms of Concussion
Concussion symptoms can appear right away or develop hours later. Symptoms may include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Trouble concentrating or remembering
- Feeling slowed down or foggy
- Mood changes, irritability or sadness
- Fatigue or sleep changes
Seek care if your child’s symptoms are getting worse, or if you’re concerned. A concussion specialist can help if symptoms are not improving.
Early Concussion Care Before Your Appointment
After a concussion, avoid activities that make symptoms worse or could lead to another head injury. Do not return to sports or training until your child has been evaluated and cleared by a medical provider.
Concussion Diagnosis at Scottish Rite
Your child’s first concussion visit includes a comprehensive evaluation to understand symptoms and guide recovery. You’ll also have time to ask questions and learn what to expect with their personalized treatment plan.
The visit begins with a detailed review of your child’s medical history. This includes prior concussions, headaches, learning concerns, mood symptoms and details of the current injury.
Your child then completes an evaluation with a certified athletic trainer. Testing is based on age and symptoms and may include assessments of vision, balance and cognitive function.
Most concussions do not need imaging like a CT scan or MRI. We only recommend imaging when it’s medically necessary.
Treatments for Concussion
Concussion treatment focuses on guided recovery and a gradual return to daily activities. Your child’s care plan is personalized based on symptoms, goals and recovery progress.
Treatment options may include:
- Symptom-limited physical activity: Early, light aerobic activity can improve and speed up recovery. Activity increases gradually as symptoms improve.
- Academic support and adjustments: Temporary changes at school help reduce symptoms while your child continues learning.
- Activity modification: Athletes should avoid activities that increase symptoms or risk another head injury. They should not return to full sports participation until fully recovered and cleared by a medical provider.
- Targeted rehabilitation: Based on symptoms, care may include therapy to support balance, vision or movement.
- Education and recovery guidance: Families receive clear instructions on symptom management, pacing and gradually returning to daily activities.
We guide your child’s return to school and sports at the same time, adjusting each based on symptoms and recovery.
When Concussion Symptoms Last Longer
Most kids and teens recover from a concussion within a month, but some take longer.
Our team can help manage persisting symptoms like headaches, dizziness, trouble focusing, sleep issues and stress. We can also guide school plans and return-to-sport decisions.
Why Choose Us?
Time and expertise to truly understand your child’s concussion: Our physicians and certified athletic trainers take time to understand how the injury happened and how your child is functioning. We look beyond a symptom checklist to understand movement, recovery needs, sports demands and your child’s level of play, creating a clear plan.
Support for recovery at school, not just in sports: Concussion recovery affects daily life not just athletics. We help guide school accommodations and return-to-play decisions, adjusting care as symptoms change.
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Your child may be referred by an athletic trainer, emergency room, urgent care or primary care provider. You may also choose to self-refer and call us directly at 469-515-7100.
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Appointments are scheduled by calling our front desk. An online appointment request is also available. A staff member will follow up to confirm your visit.