Physicians have long careers. By that standard, Health First’s Pediatric Emergency Department Head Danielle Devereaux, MD, is not yet mid-career, having finished her residency little more than a decade ago. And yet, the thinking and standards of care for concussion in children (and adults) has evolved dramatically.

Dr. Devereaux shared her expertise with Vero News in a story examining what a physician today is looking for in a possibly concussed patient, what care is ordered and what parents should know.

“Previously, treatment took place based on our focus on physical symptoms, but now we realize – that especially with youngsters as compared to adults – symptoms can include cognitive issues such as abnormal sleep cycles, irritability and tearfulness,” said Devereaux.

The name of the game used to be to prescribe rest after a concussion was diagnosed, she added. But not anymore.

Devereaux said that CT scans are now rarely done on kids and teens unless the concussion shows indications of being severe. “They used to be done frequently but we learned they’re just not needed in the vast majority of cases. Anytime we can keep someone from being exposed to unnecessary radiation, we do.”

READ what symptoms to look for – and what the science says about recovery – in Vero News HERE.