Concussion Center
Individualized Children’s Concussion Clinic in New Jersey
Did you know that in 2020, 6.8% of children had experienced symptoms of a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) at some point in their lives? Concussions and TBIs can occur when kids take a tumble or experience a head injury. Common indicators are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and mood changes, so if you notice any of these signs after your child hurts their head, take one of these steps:
- Call your child's health care provider.
- Head to urgent care or the emergency room if things seem serious (such as your child loses consciousness or acts disoriented.)
- Schedule an appointment with a pediatric concussion specialist at Hackensack Meridian Children's Health.
Exploring the Pediatric Concussion Clinic
Studies say kids tend to heal faster with a pediatric concussion specialist involved with their care. At Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, we run specialized tests to pinpoint and manage concussions after symptoms occur. Testing may include:
- ImPACT: Measures the brain's reaction time, processing speed, memory, and recognition pre-concussion, aiding tailored treatment plans.
- BESS (Balance Error Scoring System): Checks your kid's balance – eyes open, eyes closed, on a soft pad, etc.
- Cerebellar position sense/coordination: Three tests assessing cerebellar function and coordination.
- Eye convergence: Tracks eye coordination by moving an object closer to the nose. Blurred vision or double trouble? We'll take note.
After a concussion diagnosis, our award-winning experts create a personalized concussion management plan for each child. They may collaborate with other specialists such as neurologists, neurosurgeons or others. The team addresses nutrition, academic support, and recovery strategies to ensure a comprehensive approach to your child's well-being.
We also provide ongoing education and support to schools and sports teams regarding concussion diagnosis, management, and prevention. If you are interested in an outreach presentation or concussion prevention/recognition training for coaches, athletic trainers, parents, and athletes, please contact Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at 551-996-3200 or K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at 732-776-4551.
Why Choose Us for Pediatric Concussion Care?
When partnering with some of the best concussion specialists in New Jersey, you have a say in every health care decision for your child. Choosing Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health for concussion or TBI care means you get a(n):
Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601
551-996-3200
Hovnanian Children's Hospital
1944 Route 33, Suite 204, Neptune NJ 07753
27 South Cooks Bridge Road, Suite 2-5, Jackson, NJ 08527
732-897-3960
School involvement and advocacy
Acting as the liaison between parents, medical professionals, and schools ensures everyone is on the same page regarding your child's condition and needs. Our social workers ensure all necessary accommodations, such as skipping gym class, shorter school days if needed, breaks, and more, are available to facilitate a smooth transition back to learning while minimizing triggers.
Focus on long-term recovery
We're not just about diagnosis – we're about recovery. Our team, including neuropsychologists and physical therapists, crafts personalized care plans for each child. From nutrition tips to school accommodations, we're here for every step of your child's concussion care journey, no matter how long it takes.
Award-winning team of specialists
Our pediatric concussion specialists focus solely on TBI and concussion care, bringing incredible expertise to the table. Collaborating upon diagnosis with fellowship-trained headache neurologists, neuropsychologists, counseling psychologists, and pediatric physiatrists, the team provides comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plans – all in one place.
12-year-old Receives Lifesaving Care for Serious Head Injury
Twelve-year-old Noah Rybak, of Oradell, New Jersey, was sledding with friends one February 2021 day when his sled suddenly ran headfirst into a tree at the bottom of a hill.
7-year-old Soccer Player Suffers Surprise Concussion
Two days after hitting her head during a basketball game, 7-year-old Colette started experiencing symptoms of a concussion.
Our Pediatric Concussion Specialists
Our children’s hospital concussion leaders offer comprehensive patient and family care. They join forces with the other 30+ specialties within our children’s hospitals to provide a unified plan for every patient.
