Concussion Treatment
Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric specialists.
Neuroscience Referrals
View the referral guidelines
CHOC’s concussion team includes concussion-trained pediatricians, neurologists, neuropsychologists and neurosurgeons, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapists. Together, we partner closely with area coaches, school nurses and community providers to evaluate and treat every child and teen who experiences a hit to the head.
Concussion-Trained Pediatricians: Your First Line of Defense
Most concussions are not severe, but they should still be taken seriously. They are best treated by a pediatrician with experience in concussion management. If your child or teen has symptoms of a concussion, talk to your pediatrician.
Expert Specialists: For Severe Pediatric Concussions and Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms
For children and teens who have severe concussions or symptoms that aren’t improvingafter four weeks or longer, we offer a higher level of care through our neuroscience team. Patients seen at the CHOC Neuroscience Center receive comprehensive concussion care from our pediatric neurologists, pediatric neuropsychologists, and s our pediatric neurosurgeons for injuries that may require surgery.
ImPACT® Testing
We use ImPACT® testing for patients that have a new concussion as part of their neurocognitive assessment. This is a computer-based tool that examines different areas of cognitive functioning such as memory, attention, and processing speed. In addition, for athletes who don’t have a history of concussion, our specialists use ImPACT® to establish a baseline of cognitive function. If an athlete then sustains a concussion, we are able to monitor the patient’s recovery by comparing the ImPACT® results post-concussion to the patient’s baseline.
Rehabilitation Therapy
Ongoing concussion symptoms may be best managed with physical, occupational and speech therapy. Our rehabilitation team has unique experience treating patients with concussion and is ready to help overcome any problems your child or teen may be experiencing. Learn more about our concussion rehabilitation program and services.
Coordination with Schools
Our concussion team partners with high school sports programs to mentor coaching staff and help manage an athlete’s post-concussion care. We also have developed concussion recovery guidelines with tips for school staff on returning students to school, sports and activities after concussion.
Pediatric Concussion Emergency Care
Our pediatric-dedicated emergency department and Level I trauma center is equipped and ready to treat any child or teen who sustains a concussion and requires immediate medical attention.
After-Hours Hotline
The CHOC Concussion Hotline is a resource for coaches, trainers, physicians and medical providers to consult with a pediatric neurologist and to coordinate an appointment for their athlete or patient. Our concussion experts provide immediate response, even on nights and weekends. Please call 714-509-4054 and press 1 for the Concussion Hotline. Please note the Concussion Hotline is not intended for patients and families. Learn more about making an appointment here.
Make an Appointment for Concussion Treatment
We recommend a timely follow-up with your child’s pediatrician if they have experienced a minor concussion. If your child or teen does not have a pediatrician or primary care doctor, find one here in our directory.
When concussion is severe or symptoms won’t go away, talk to your doctor about a referral to the CHOC concussion team, which offers pediatric sports medicine specialists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists and rehabilitation therapists who are all trained in concussion management.
Please call 888-770-2462 to schedule an appointment with a CHOC specialist. A referral from your child’s pediatrician or primary care doctor may be required.