Home | Contact Us | Directions | Site Map About Children's | International Program | Advocacy | Press Room | Careers & Jobs

Safe Concussion Outcome Recovery Meet Our Team Locations Resources for Families Contact Information Request an Apppointment     Email This Page Print This Page           Safe Concussion Outcome Recovery & Education (SCORE) Program The SCORE Concussion Program at Children’s National Medical Center evaluates, monitors and manages the care of children and adolescents with concussions (mild traumatic brain injury). The program consults with physicians regionally and nationally, as well as scholastic and youth recreational sports programs in which children are vulnerable to injury. The SCORE program is the only program in the Maryland/Washington, DC/Virginia area that specializes in the evaluation and management of concussions in children. Our clinics see approximately 300 to 500 children each year. Patients are referred from emergency room physicians, primary care physicians, emergency departments, sports medicine physicians, coaches, and athletic trainers. The clinic is staffed by neuropsychologists and neuropsychology fellows who specialize in precise identification, monitoring and management of children ages 4-18 who have sustained a concussion. The program uses specialized state-of-the art testing techniques, including computer assisted technology (ImPACT) sensitive in detecting concussion related symptoms. The SCORE program uses these findings to make recommendations about return to play and work, as well as necessary school accommodations. Faculty and fellows in the SCORE program are active in the local and regional community – and across the country. We instruct physicians, public health and school officials, athletic coaches, and parents about concussions through seminars, workshops, in-services, and consultations. Program faculty and fellows are available to give talks and workshops. The program has four goals: Provide the highest level of service to children, adolescents and young adults with concussions/mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) Increase research-based knowledge, skills and instrumentation used in evaluation and treatment Develop the next generation of highly qualified professionals to treat children and adolescents with concussions/mild TBI Improve the general knowledge and skill of persons in the medical, educational and athletic community regarding the specific treatment/needs of individuals with mild TBI/ concussion Services Evaluation, Consultation and Support Services The SCORE program staff specializes in evaluation, monitoring and management of children and adolescents with concussions (mild traumatic brain injury) and consultation with relevant personnel (i.e., school, sports). We also provide educational information to the community. Neuropsychological Evaluation – First, the child and parents meet with a neuropsychologist to discuss the injury and symptoms. Afterwards, specific tests of attention, memory and speed are administered to the concussed child. The battery of tests used is based on the child’s age. Children over the age of 12 are also administered the ImPACT assessment which is a computerized measure used to evaluate and monitor changes in cognition over time. Test results are then reviewed with the child and family, and subsequently a treatment plan is established to outline when the child can return to school, sports and other activities. Return visits may be scheduled to monitor recovery until symptoms are no longer present. Additional Consultation and Support Services – We work closely with athletic personnel, pediatricians, and schools to establish, coordinate and monitor treatment. Ongoing management of schoolwork and physical activity is critical until the child has fully recovered. It is important to note that full recovery is defined as no active post-concussive symptoms at rest and with exertion, as well as neurocognitive functioning back to pre-injury baseline level. The risks associated with premature overexertion must be understood: (1) prolonged period of recovery, (2) increased likelihood of re-injury, (3) though small, an increased likelihood of a more significant and possibly catastrophic if reinjured. Professional Training Research