1. Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion can determine how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child or teen to return to normal activities, including physical activity and school.

2. Help them take time to get better. If your child or teen has a concussion, his or her brain needs time to heal. Your child or teen may need to limit activities while he or she is recovering from a concussion. Exercising or activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer or playing video games may cause concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse. After a concussion, physical and cognitive activities should be carefully managed and monitored by a health care professional.

3. Together with your child or teen, learn more about concussions. Talk about the potential long-term effects of concussion and the dangers of returning too soon to normal activities.  

Children’s Concussion Clinic offers:

• Expert medical evaluation available as soon as possible after the injury, usually within 24-72 hours
• Onsite physical therapy for balance and vestibular symptoms as well as exertion tolerance 
• ImPACT ^TM computerized testing to identify cognitive symptoms
• Ongoing medical evaluation and symptom management until symptoms subside
• Further diagnostic testing, such MRI, EEG or audiology and referral to subspecialists (neurology and mental health)
• Return to school and regular activity clearance all-clear from a health provider trained and experienced in pediatric concussion
  • It's now law in Minnesota: If young athletes show signs of a concussion, coaches must sideline them until they get a medical all-clear.
• Consultant for school nurses and coaches
• Neuropsychological evaluation
• Occupational therapy

Joseph Petronio, MD, medical director

Robert Doss, PsyD, LP, ABPP-CN, co-director

Julie A. Mills, RN, CNP

Mary B. Dentz, RN, CNP

Meghan E. Webber, PA-C

Jane Allen, RN, CNP

Elaine Walin, PT, pediatric vestibular specialist

Laura Hafemeyer, PT

Cathy Rock, PNP, Neurology

Help your child or teen get needed support when returning to school after a concussion. Talk with your child's teachers, school nurse, coach, speech-language pathologist or counselor about your child's concussion and symptoms.

Your child may feel frustrated, sad and even angry because he or she cannot return to recreation and sports right away or cannot keep up with school work. Your child may also feel isolated from peers and social networks. Talk often with your child about these issues and offer your support and encouragement.

As your child's symptoms decrease, the extra help or support can be removed gradually. Children and teens who return to school after a concussion may need to:

• Take rest breaks as needed
• Spend fewer hours at school
• Be given more time to take tests or complete assignments
• Receive help with schoolwork
• Reduce time spent reading, writing or on the computer