Children’s Concussion Clinic specializes in individualized pediatric concussion care

At Children’s Minnesota, we take health care and concussions seriously. Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injuries. A concussion is usually caused by a blow to the head or body that results in a disruption or loss of normal brain function and potentially a loss of consciousness. A concussion is diagnosed based on symptoms that can occur immediately after the injury or are recognized hours, possibly days, later.

Children’s Concussion Clinic provides comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment for children and young adults who have concussions caused by sports, accidents or falls. Concussions may take time to heal and following the recommendations provided by a medical professional will ensure that children or teens are on the right path to healing. The pediatric concussion clinic is part of Children’s neuroscience program that includes health specialists in neurosurgery, neurology, neuropsychology, rehabilitation and other departments that care for brain and spine issues.

Each injury can present with different symptoms, which can last only a few minutes or for several months. Some of the common signs and symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Blurry vision or coordination problems

Whether mild or severe, all concussions should be evaluated by a medical professional within two to three days. If you suspect your child has experienced a concussion and are looking for care, Children’s Minnesota is here to help at our concussion clinic location. Call your doctor immediately if your child:

  • Has a headache that’s not relieved by medication or rest
  • Has worsening or new symptoms
  • Is vomiting after the injury
  • Has trouble waking up or is especially sleepy

Learn more about concussions and treatment

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No two kids are alike. Neither are concussions

Some concussions heal in just a few days, while others can take months. That’s why Children’s Concussion Clinic treats each concussion, and each child, individually. We’ll establish the scope of your child’s concussion and determine a treatment plan based on his or her specific health needs.

We’ll give you a modified activity schedule to share with your child’s teachers and coaches to help you keep them in the loop about your child’s condition. Then we’ll continue to follow your child until he or she has made a full recovery. Excellent concussion care is the best way to help prevent complications from a concussion and to reduce the risk for further injury.

Safety is our specialty

Your child’s safety is our first priority. But we’re not the only ones who take concussions seriously. In Minnesota, it’s a law that every child with signs of a concussion receives medical clearance before returning to sports. Our concussion specialists will evaluate your child and determine when it’s safe for him or her to return to the rink, court or field. We may use neurological and diagnostic tools including cognitive testing, physical therapy assessment and other diagnostic tools (ie. MRI, neuropsychology) to help make this determination. So you can feel confident knowing your child’s concussion has healed before he or she plays again.

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