The Headache and Concussion Program, part of the Nicklaus Children's Neuroscience Institute, offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation, treatment, and management of chronic headaches, migraines, concussions and other traumatic brain injuries in children and adolescents. Focused on reducing symptoms, improving quality of life and supporting a safe return to daily activities.
The Headache and Concussion Program team is led by a pediatric neurologist with specialized fellowship training and extensive experience in treating children and adolescents with headaches and concussions. Our team also includes psychologists who collaborate to provide behavioral techniques that enhance care management. Together, our specialists are committed to delivering comprehensive, personalized treatment plans, empowering your child to return to the activities they love while prioritizing optimal brain health.
Comprehensive Care for Headaches and Concussions
The Nicklaus Children's Headache and Concussion Program team is dedicated to providing personalized care for
concussions and
traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, as well as patients experiencing complex and debilitating headache disorders. From
tension headaches and
cluster headaches, to headaches linked to underlying causes, such as
cervicogenic headaches and
occipital neuralgia, to rare disorders like benign paroxysmal torticollis, our team combines specialized expertise with compassionate care to accurately diagnose and effectively treat a broad spectrum of headache conditions.
Conditions We Treat
Concussion Symptoms in Children
The effects of a concussion often surface after the injury, sometimes taking hours or even days to appear. Concussions in children sometimes develop into post-concussion syndrome, causing the child to experience symptoms for an extended period of time. Some even recover initially, delaying the onset of symptoms until after subsequent exertion.
Child concussion symptoms may include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling more emotional
- Numbness or tingling
- Feeling like "in a fog"
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty remembering/amnesia
- Visual problems
Headache and Migraine Treatments
While headaches are relatively common in children and adolescents, chronic headaches or severe headaches, especially those that interfere with school attendance and daily activities, can be a source of concern for both children and their parents. Following a comprehensive patient workup, the team uses a tailored approach combining various treatment options to attempt to decrease both headache frequency and headache related disability. Treatment options include but are not limited to:
- Preventive prescription medications
- Preventive nutraceuticals
- Acute treatments, which may include both over the counter and prescription medications
- Guidance for lifestyle change
- Referral for behavioral therapy
- Neuromodulation devices
- Botox Injections for Migraines
- Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks
Concussion Treatments
The signs of concussion in children can be hard to decipher, but our physicians are trained to evaluate and treat brain injuries from concussions to more serious traumas. Generally, a concussion is caused by a direct or indirect traumatic injury to the head and/or neck. Children and adolescents who have experienced brain injuries require ongoing medical management to ensure appropriate follow-up care.
- Evaluation and assessment of neuroimaging needs
- Care plan development for resumption of school and activities
- Guidance and supervision of return to physical activity
- Clearance for return to competitive sport participation
- Long term management of symptoms of post-concussive syndrome symptoms
- Baseline cognitive testing - ImPACT
- Baseline Balance and Vestibular Test and therapy
Who is a Candidate for the Headache and Concussions Program?
Program candidates include any child or teen who:
- Has headaches that occur on a consistent basis
- Has headaches that result in missed school days or other activities
- Has headaches that cause concern for the patient, parents, or primary care physician in any way
- Has recently had a direct or indirect traumatic injury to the head and/or neck
What Should I Expect?
At the initial visit, a detailed history and physical examination will be conducted by the neurologist or nurse practitioner, and in many cases by the psychologist, visual and vestibular therapists. A standardized neurocognitive test will be performed prior to a concussion visit. Additional testing may be ordered when appropriate. The team will work with you to develop and detailed treatment plan to implement both at home and at school.
Additionally, there may be opportunities for your child to participate in clinical trials for new and emerging headache treatments. These opportunities will be offered as they arise.