Concussions

The 4th edition of the Concussion KiT once again provides us with an opportunity to combine our trauma knowledge and expertise with injury prevention strategies, and apply it to the composite life of a child or teen at school, play, and at home. The key messages conveyed of this Concussion KiT are: 1) recognize symptoms early on, 2) see a doctor to confirm diagnosis, 3) follow recommendations for a period of physical, cognitive and academic activity restrictions, 4) never play injured, and 5) only return to complete activity when symptom free and do so in a gradual manner.

The prevention, recognition, and management of children and teens with a concussion is challenging and drawing the attention of many. Our KiT is therefore designed to provide important information to our target audience comprised of clinicians, teachers, educators, coaches, professional sporting associations, governing bodies, parents, patients, media and community organizations, so as to enhance their understanding, and thereby support the child or teen through their recovery.

NEW 2023 4th edition Concussion KiT

Special Thanks to Andy Collins for Kids for their generous support 

In it you will find:

• Information on the prevention, recognition, and management of concussions
• General Activity Management Plan
• Return to Learn Management Plan
• Return to Physical Activity/Sports Management Plan
• Recommendations for teachers and educators

Return to Sports Card

Physician Resources:

• Discharge instructions Age 0-5 years
• NEW Discharge instructions Age 6-18 years
• Headache algorithm 

General information about concussions

• Understanding and Managing Concussions in Youth
• McGill Physical Therapy Students developed a resource for children

The Montreal Children’s Hospital Trauma Centre's innovative inter-professional MTBI Porgram / Concussion Clinic has been recognized as a model for care since its development in 2007. Over the past 25 years, our Trauma Specialists have been leaders in this area, developing and implementing an innovative, comprehensive, proactive, inter-professional approach to the management of concussions in youth. The approach to care is in keeping with the most recent evidence and based on extensive clinical expertise.

Our community outreach and knowledge sharing provides important information to clinicians, teachers, educators, coaches, professional sporting associations, governing bodies, parents, patients, media and community organizations, so as to enhance their understanding, and thereby support the child or teen. 

Criteria for EARLY referral to the MTBI Program / Concussion Clinic (0-17 years of age):

• For children 0-5, a phone follow-up will be completed by a trauma coordinator and the child will be referred to appropriate resources as needed.

We encourage early referral to our MTBI Program / Concussion Clinic to favor optimal recovery time and minimize long term complications. Patients should be referred immediately and certainly if there is no significant improvement within 1 week following the concussion

Please send consultation if any of the following apply to the patient:

High level activities

• Competitive sport or partakes in several team sports at the same time
• High performance music or drama

Past medical history 

• Previous concussion especially if symptoms lasted > few days
• Migraines

Current event

• Immediate onset of dizziness for current trauma
• Immediate onset of sensitivity to motion

Current symptoms

• Responding to questions more slowly at the time of the exam or even if briefly right after the event
• Showing poor concentration
• Abnormal tandem stance
• GCS <15

Anxiety about the concussion - patient and/or family

MD discretion – Early referral recommended

Referral process: If patients present with any of the above findings, please send a medical referral to the attention of the MTBI Program / Concussion Clinic Fax: 514- 412-4254 or call 514-412-4400 x 23310 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Debbie Friedman, BSc pht, M.Mgmt
Associate Professor Pediatrics & Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University
Director, Trauma
Director, Canadian Hospitals Injury Prevention and Reporting Program (CHIRPP)
Director Trauma Research & Injury Prevention Programs

Lisa Grilli, BSc, MSc, pht
Trauma Coordinator
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Program
Concussion Clinic
Trauma Research Program

Debbie Schichtman, BScN
Trauma Coordinator
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Program
Concussion Clinic

Erin Mackasey, RN, MSc
Trauma coordinator
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Program
In-patient Trauma, Neurotrauma and Burn Programs

Carlo Galli, BSc, pht
Physiotherapist
Concussion Clinic

Christine Beaulieu, BSc, pht, D.O.
Physiotherapist
Concussion Clinic

Meghan Straub, BSc, MSc.A., pht
Physiotherapist
Concussion Clinic

Dr. Karine Gauthier, M.PS., Ph.D.
Psychologist
Concussion Clinic

Dr. Catherine Serra-Poirier, Psy.D, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Concussion Clinic

Dr. Maria Sufrategui, Ph.D.
Psychologist/Neuropsychologist
Concussion Clinic

Angeliki Souranis BSW, PSW
Social worker
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Program
In-patient Trauma, Neurotrauma and Burn Programs

Dr. Isabelle Gagnon, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy/Pediatrics, McGill University
Clinician Scientist
Trauma Research Program

Fatemeh Bahrpeyma - B.Lit
Administrative Coordinator

Other rehabilitation, psychosocial, and medical consultants from Neurology, ENT, Emergency Department and others as needed for the specific patient and family.