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Most sports-related concussions can be managed by a pediatrician, says Dr. Carla Morton, a pediatric neuropsychologist at Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, because they know the child the best. Where is there a need for specialized care, the pediatrician can decide which specialist the child should see.

Elizabeth M. Pieroth, Psy.D, a Board Certified Neuropsychologist, and Associate Director of the Sports Concussion Program at the NorthShore Medical Group, talks about concussions in youth football in this comprehensive and informative half-hour presentation to parents in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Resistance training in youth football, says Dallas-based chiropractor and strength and conditioning coach, Steve Horowtiz, D.C., CSCS, is not only safe but it should be mandatory.

A chiropractor's role in concussion testing and treatment is similar to that of a pediatrician, says Dallas-based chiropractor and strength and conditioning coach, Steve Horowtiz, D.C., CSCS, in that he or she needs to know about the importance of core and neck strengthening and range of motion in preventing concussions, and about the importance of baseline testing (neurocognitive, visual, and balance) in concussion treatment.

A concussed athlete experiencing symptoms such as repeated vomiting, worsening headache, slurred speech or loss of consciousness may have suffered a more serious head injury and should be taken immediately to the emergency room at the nearest hospital.

Coaches need to create a culture of safety in which self-reporting by athletes of concussion symptoms is encouraged, not discouraged, and they aren't penalized for honest reporting, says neuropsychologist Elizabeth M. Pieroth, Psy.D, Associate Director of the Sports Concussion Program of NorthShore Medical Group and consultant to the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, White Sox, and Fire. Like coaches, game officials need to be on the lookout for concussion symptoms after an athlete takes a hard hit, such as confusion, imbalance, slowness to respond, or the player can't remember plays. Because they are right in the middle of the action, game officials, she says, are often in a better position than those on the sideline to spot athletes with possible concussion.

Most pediatricians can handle uncomplicated concussions, says a top sports neuropsychologist, but parents may need to ask for a referral if their child's doctor isn't comfortable treating concussions, or where the concussion is more complicated, such as where recovery is taking longer than expected, or where the athlete has a history of concussions.

Make sure that the neuropsychologist involved in your child's treatment after concussion has training in concussion assessment and treatment, has kept up with evolving research and practice guidelines, and understands athletes and sports culture, says neuropsychologist Elizabeth M. Pieroth, Psy.D, Associate Director of the Sports Concussion Program of NorthShore Medical Group and consultant to the Chicago Bears and Cubs.

Return to learn is just as important as return to play, says a top neuropsychologist and it is important to assess a child's individual symptoms and what triggers them to determine what adjustments to the school day are appropriate.