New Jersey Pediatric Concussion Center

When a child or teen suffers a concussion, the family in front of you needs two things: a clear answer about how serious it is, and a safe, step-by-step plan to get back to school and sport. At the New Jersey Pediatric Concussion Center, that plan is built and managed by a board-certified team of pediatric neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuropsychologists, therapists, and nurses working as one - because a concussion is a brain injury, and brain injuries belong with brain specialists.

We provide complete concussion care in one place: expert neurological evaluation, ImPACT baseline and post-injury neurocognitive testing, advanced imaging and EEG when indicated, vestibular and balance therapy, and a structured Return-to-Learn and Return-to-Play protocol that follows the latest international (Amsterdam 2023) and CDC guidelines. Families across New Jersey trust us to protect what matters most - their child's developing brain.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury - a functional disturbance in how the brain works. Managing it well takes more than a single test. It requires clinicians who understand the developing brain, who can recognize red-flag symptoms, who use objective tools to track recovery, and who know exactly when it is safe for a child to return to the classroom and the field.

A complete, evidence-based concussion program includes all of the following:

• Objective neurocognitive testing (ImPACT) - to measure the injury and confirm true recovery, not just “feeling better.”
• A neurological exam and access to EEG and advanced imaging (MRI) when a child's symptoms call for it.
• Balance and vestibular assessment - because dizziness and balance problems are among the most common and overlooked concussion effects.
• A written Return-to-Learn plan before a Return-to-Play plan - because the brain must handle thinking before it handles contact.
• A supervised, stepwise Return-to-Play protocol with medical clearance at the right stage.

If any of these pieces is missing, a concussion can be under-treated - and a child returned to activity too soon is at risk for prolonged symptoms or a more serious second injury. Our program is built so that nothing is missed.

A concussion is defined as a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces. Children can sustain concussions from tackles or falls - even without a direct blow to the head - when force is transmitted to the brain. A child does not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Most pediatric concussions are mild and recover fully with the right care, but every concussion is a serious injury that needs to be reported and evaluated.

If in doubt, sit it out.  Any child with a suspected concussion should stop activity immediately and rest - both physically and mentally.

Common Concussion Symptoms in Children

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling fatigued, sluggish, groggy, or dazed
• Trouble paying attention or focusing
• Memory problems, confusion, or slowed thinking
• Sleep changes
• Mood changes - irritability, sadness, or nervousness
• Changes in behavior or personality

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek medical care immediately if your child develops any of the following:

• Behavior changes such as agitation, confusion, or restlessness
• Seizures
• Not being able to recognize people or places
• Loss of consciousness
• One pupil larger than the other
• Slurred speech
• Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake
• Repeated vomiting
• Crying that won't stop

Concussion symptoms fall into four categories. Tracking all four is central to how we measure recovery.

Every child follows a structured, individualized protocol. We evaluate first, test objectively, and only clear a return to activity when the brain is truly ready.

Step 1 - Comprehensive Neurological Evaluation

A specialist takes a full history and performs a neurological exam to assess the injury, screen for red flags, and build an individualized recovery plan.

Step 2 - ImPACT Neurocognitive Testing (Baseline & Post-Injury)

We use ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), a 20-minute computerized test that measures attention, memory, reasoning, language, and processing speed. A baseline test (ideally before the season) gives us the child's normal. A post-injury test measures the impact of the concussion, and repeat testing in 1–2 weeks confirms genuine recovery and guides return-to-play readiness - objective data, not guesswork.

Step 3 - Advanced Imaging & EEG When Indicated

Concussions usually show normal structural imaging, so scans aren't routine. But when a child's symptoms warrant it, we have direct access to high-quality MRI and EEG - the neurological tools a non-specialist setting typically cannot provide.

Step 4 - Balance & Vestibular Testing

We assess the three systems that keep a child balanced - somatosensory (touch, temperature, body position), vestibular (equilibrium), and visual (seeing movement). Children with balance, dizziness, or vestibular deficits benefit from targeted physical therapy as part of recovery.

Step 5 - Return-to-Learn Plan

The brain must handle thinking before it handles contact. We provide a written Return-to-Learn plan - which may include a lighter course load, extra time on assignments, shortened days, and breaks - and coordinate with the child's school so recovery and academics stay on track.

Step 6 - The 6-Step Return-to-Play Protocol

Return to sport is gradual and supervised, advancing only as symptoms allow:

1. Symptom-limited activity and relative rest (light daily activities that don't worsen symptoms)
2. Light aerobic exercise (walking or stationary cycling)
3. Sport-specific exercise (skating for hockey, running for soccer)
4. Non-contact training drills
5. Full-contact practice - only after medical clearance
6. Return to game play

A child should never return to play until cleared by a qualified healthcare professional. Returning too soon risks longer-lasting symptoms - or a dangerous second injury before the first has healed.

Your child's care is delivered by a dedicated, multidisciplinary team of pediatric neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuropsychologists, physical therapists, and nurses who coordinate every step - from diagnosis through return to play. This team-based, brain-focused approach is what sets a true pediatric concussion center apart. Our specialists include Catherine Mazzola, MD, FAANS, a board-certified pediatric neurosurgeon.

See a specialist promptly if your child has had a blow to the head, face, or body followed by any concussion symptoms; if symptoms last more than a few days; if symptoms worsen; if your child has had a previous concussion; or if you simply aren't sure. Learn more about when to see a specialist for pediatric concussion treatment. Early specialist evaluation leads to faster, safer recovery - and ensures nothing serious is missed.

When symptoms last longer than the usual recovery window, it's called persistent post-concussive symptoms, or post-concussion syndrome. Repeat concussions raise the risk. Our team manages prolonged recovery with targeted therapy, close monitoring, and a plan tailored to your child - so no family is left without answers.

We care for children and teens with concussions across New Jersey, with offices in Morris, Bergen, Monmouth, Union, and Mercer counties - serving families throughout Morristown, Rockaway, Hackensack, Hazlet, Garwood, Hamilton, and surrounding communities.

Morris County - 131 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor, Morristown, NJ 07960 · 333 Mount Hope Ave, Suite 140, Rockaway, NJ 07866

Bergen County - 385 Prospect Ave, 2nd Floor, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Monmouth County - 984 NJ-36 S, Hazlet, NJ 07730

Union County - 400 Center St, Garwood, NJ 07027

Mercer County - 3840 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 110, Hamilton, NJ 08619

Phone (all offices): (973) 326-9000 or (973) 326-9001

If you suspect your child has a concussion, don't wait. Call (973) 326-9000 or request an appointment online. Our team will guide you through diagnosis, recovery, and a safe return to school and sport.

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What does a concussion clinic do?

A concussion clinic diagnoses and manages traumatic brain injuries with a coordinated team. At NJPNI, that means a neurological evaluation, ImPACT neurocognitive testing, balance and vestibular assessment, imaging or EEG when needed, and a step-by-step plan to return safely to school and sport.

Where can I get my child checked for a concussion in NJ?

NJPNI provides pediatric concussion evaluations at five New Jersey locations in Morris, Bergen, Monmouth, Union, and Mercer counties. Call (973) 326-9000 to be seen promptly.

When should my child see a doctor for a concussion?

See a specialist if your child had a blow to the head or body followed by any concussion symptoms, if symptoms persist or worsen, or if there's a history of prior concussion. Seek emergency care for loss of consciousness, seizures, repeated vomiting, unequal pupils, or slurred speech.

What is ImPACT testing?

ImPACT is a 20-minute computerized neurocognitive test that measures attention, memory, reasoning, and processing speed. A baseline test (before injury) plus post-injury testing gives an objective measure of the concussion and confirms true recovery before return to play.

How long does concussion recovery take in children?

Many children recover within a few weeks, but every concussion is different. Objective testing and a structured Return-to-Learn and Return-to-Play protocol ensure your child only returns to full activity when the brain has genuinely healed.

Does my child need an EEG or MRI for a concussion?

Most concussions show normal imaging, so scans aren't routine. But our specialists have direct access to EEG and MRI and use them when a child's symptoms indicate - an advantage of being managed by a neurological team.

When can my child return to sports after a concussion?

Only after completing a supervised 6-step return-to-play protocol and receiving medical clearance. Returning too early risks prolonged symptoms or a serious second injury.