Elizabeth Pieroth

Elizabeth M. Pieroth, Psy.D, a Board Certified Neuropsychologist, and Associate Director of the Sports Concussion Program at the NorthShore Medical Group, talks about concussions in youth football in this comprehensive and informative half-hour presentation to parents in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Coaches need to create a culture of safety in which self-reporting by athletes of concussion symptoms is encouraged, not discouraged, and they aren't penalized for honest reporting, says neuropsychologist Elizabeth M. Pieroth, Psy.D, Associate Director of the Sports Concussion Program of NorthShore Medical Group and consultant to the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, White Sox, and Fire. Like coaches, game officials need to be on the lookout for concussion symptoms after an athlete takes a hard hit, such as confusion, imbalance, slowness to respond, or the player can't remember plays. Because they are right in the middle of the action, game officials, she says, are often in a better position than those on the sideline to spot athletes with possible concussion.

Most pediatricians can handle uncomplicated concussions, says a top sports neuropsychologist, but parents may need to ask for a referral if their child's doctor isn't comfortable treating concussions, or where the concussion is more complicated, such as where recovery is taking longer than expected, or where the athlete has a history of concussions.

Make sure that the neuropsychologist involved in your child's treatment after concussion has training in concussion assessment and treatment, has kept up with evolving research and practice guidelines, and understands athletes and sports culture, says neuropsychologist Elizabeth M. Pieroth, Psy.D, Associate Director of the Sports Concussion Program of NorthShore Medical Group and consultant to the Chicago Bears and Cubs.