More and more young people are being diagnosed with concussions. Heightened media attention and new state laws have led to improved early detection and treatment of sports-related concussion. However, concussions are not limited to sports. From bike or car accidents to falls on playgrounds, kids can suffer concussions in a number of ways.

To serve children under 16 who have suffered concussion from a non-sports-related injury, the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute’s concussion program has launched its Pediatric Concussion Clinic, led by concussion expert Gillian Hotz, Ph.D.

“Too often, younger children fall through the cracks and are not correctly diagnosed with concussion,” said Hotz, who is also director of all University of Miami Health System concussion programming. “We have put together an expert multidisciplinary team to manage care of young children who suffer concussions in recreational activities or motor vehicle accidents.”

The Pediatric Concussion Clinic is co-directed by neuropsychologist Danielle Ransom, Psy.D., and pediatric critical care physician Juan Solano, M.D. Both are experienced in acute pediatric brain injury. Ransom and Solano will evaluate patients’ concussions and their effects on children’s daily lives. They work with parents and children to understand the nature of each injury and the extent of symptoms to develop personalized treatment plans.

“Concussion is not just a football injury or an injury that happens to pro athletes or boys,” said Ransom. “Concussion can impact anyone, at any stage, at any time. I believe the most important component of recovery is a team effort. Each patient brings a unique set of experiences to clinic, and our experts work together to provide the best outcomes for your child.”

Solano, the medical director of the Pediatric Concussion Clinic, has seen numerous neurological injuries in children, and he says concussion is often an unaddressed problem in pediatrics.

“Because concussion is often not recognized in kids, their health, as well as their physical and school performance, can be affected,” said Solano. “Early recognition and management by a multidisciplinary team experienced in pediatric concussion is essential to the recovery of these children, which is exactly what our clinic provides.”

Parents who suspect their child has suffered a concussion can call 305-243-2074 to schedule an appointment.