CHKD Sports Concussion Program
The CHKD Sports Concussion Program is the only comprehensive, multi-disciplinary sports concussion program in the region specifically for children, adolescents and young adults. The program is directed by
pediatric and adolescent sports medicine physician
Joel Brenner, a national leader in sports concussion who works closely with local middle schools, high schools and colleges. In addition, he has testified at the national and state levels to help protect young athletes through proper legislation.
The Region’s Premier Team
The comprehensive, multi-disciplinary team includes pediatric and adolescent sports medicine physicians, pediatric neurologists, pediatric neurosurgeons, certified athletic trainers, sports physical therapists, neuropsychologists and pediatric radiologists. Our providers include some of the country’s top experts in sports concussions and brain injuries.
They are also on faculty with
Eastern Virginia Medical School. Having a young athlete suffer a sports concussion can be stressful.
Because of our extensive expertise, we are able to evaluate, diagnose and manage all sports concussions as a uniform team to help make the process easier for you.
How will the CHKD Sports Concussion Program help me?
Using the latest medical knowledge, our team will provide an expert evaluation to:
- Determine if your young athlete has a concussion.
- Design an individualized treatment plan including collaboration with the school to provide the appropriate academic accommodations to support recovery.
- Design an individualized, safe return-to-play plan.
How is CHKD Sports Concussion Program different?
We provide state-of-the-art evaluation and management to keep your young athletes safe and help
them get back to their sport safely. Young athletes who return to play too soon after a concussion are at risk for long-term brain problems, including prolonged symptoms or even death.
Our evaluation will include a thorough review of signs
and symptoms, and complete physical examination, including balance assessment and neurocognitive testing using
ImPACT. We are Credentialed ImPACT Consultants (CIC).
Our team has special training in sports concussions for young athletes. Dr. Brenner helped create the Chesapeake Public Schools Sports Concussion Policy and was a co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics Sports Concussion guidelines.
CHKD pediatric neurologist Ralph Northam is the state senator who introduced the
sports concussion law in Virginia that mandates protection of student-athletes.
CHKD pediatric neurologist
Donald Lewis is an international expert on pediatric and adolescent headaches.
In addition to the clinical care we provide to young athletes, we are also very active in educating all health-care professionals locally, regionally and nationally, along with parents, coaches, school personnel and athletes. If you would like to have our program speak to your group, please call 668-PLAY (7529). Our sports concussion program is also involved with multi-center research on concussion in youth.
If you think your young athlete has a concussion, please call 668-PLAY (7529) to schedule an appointment today
at any of our four locations.
What is a Concussion?
A sport concussion is a brain injury caused by a direct or indirect force to the head. It cannot be seen on an MRI or CT and needs to be identified immediately and evaluated by an appropriate health care provider experienced in concussion management. According to the CDC more than 3.8 million concussions occur each year. Many sports concussions go unrecognized and untreated which can lead to long-term problems for the young athlete.
Treatment Post-Concussion
The most important element of treatment is cognitive and physical rest immediately after the injury. If the child ignores his symptoms and tries to "tough it out," the recovery process
could be delayed. Resting the brain and the body needs to continue as long as the headaches and other symptoms occur.
In the News
Multimedia
Watch the video of Dr. Joel Brenner, medical director of CHKD's Sports Medicine
Program on
new AAP guidelines for sports concussions
in kids and teens.
More information is available on Sport-Related Concussion in Children and Adolescents.
Dr. Joel Brenner, medical director of CHKD's Sports Medicine Program
Concussion Update for Parents and Coaches
Keeping quiet can keep you out of the game
ESPN: Second Impact on E:60
Forms
Chesapeake Public Schools
Health Care Provider Tools
Related Brochures from CHKD
Online Resources