Pediatric neurosurgery · scheduled consultation
Head Injuries & Concussion
One place for scheduled follow-up after a head injury, skull fracture, or concussion. We review recovery, symptoms, available imaging, school needs, and the next steps for activity.
When consultation may help
Bring the concern into focus.
A scheduled visit brings symptoms, imaging, prior care, and family priorities into one organized conversation.
Review of repeat imaging or activity restrictions
↗Persistent symptoms after emergency care
↗Questions about return to school, play, or sports
↗Understand the difference
Related concerns. An individual plan.
Head injury follow-up
Follow-up confirms the original injury, current neurologic recovery, imaging findings, persistent symptoms, and safe next steps. Urgent warning signs are separated from expected recovery questions, and activity guidance is individualized.
- Follow-up after a skull fracture or brain bleed
- Review of repeat imaging or activity restrictions
- Persistent symptoms after emergency care
- Questions about return to school, play, or sports
Skull fracture follow-up
The visit reviews the fracture pattern, associated injury, healing, current symptoms, and the child’s activities. Repeat imaging is considered only when it is clinically useful, and families leave with explicit warning signs and activity guidance.
- A skull fracture diagnosed after a fall or impact
- Questions about repeat imaging or healing
- Persistent symptoms after emergency care
- Guidance on school, play, and activity restrictions
Concussion & return to school or activity
Recovery is guided by symptoms, function, school demands, examination, and the risk of another injury. Return to sports follows a stepwise progression supervised by an appropriate healthcare provider; worsening warning signs require urgent evaluation.
- Symptoms that persist after initial concussion care
- Questions about returning to school or regular activity
- Coordinated return-to-sports guidance
- A history of repeated concussion or complicated injury
Help us see the whole story
What to bring when it is available.
Do not delay urgent care to gather records. For a scheduled visit, these materials can make the conversation more useful.
Emergency and hospital discharge records
Initial and follow-up CT or MRI images
School, sports, and activity restrictions
A symptom timeline and current medication list
How this concern is approached.
Follow-up confirms the original injury, current neurologic recovery, imaging findings, persistent symptoms, and safe next steps. Urgent warning signs are separated from expected recovery questions, and activity guidance is individualized.
Questions families ask
A little more clarity.
Can symptoms appear after the injury?
Yes. Concussion symptoms may be noticed hours or days later. Tell the clinician about changes in concentration, sleep, mood, balance or school tolerance, as well as headache. Worsening symptoms need reassessment.
When can my child return to football or other sports?
Return to sport requires approval and supervision from a healthcare professional. The CDC describes a gradual progression, with each step usually taking at least 24 hours. New or returning symptoms mean stopping the activity and contacting the clinician.
What should we bring from school or the emergency department?
Bring discharge instructions, any imaging reports and the current activity restrictions. Notes about classroom tolerance and symptoms during normal activities can help the care team discuss school support and follow-up.
How the visit moves
Careful. Clear. Together.
Listen
Review symptoms, timing, prior care, daily impact, and the family’s goals.
Review
Place MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, reports, and records in context.
Explain
Translate the finding and reasonable options into plain language.
Plan
Define monitoring, testing, referral, follow-up, or surgery when appropriate.
The people behind the promise
Clinical focus. Thoughtful systems.
Two complementary roles support a clear, reliable experience for children and families.
Dr. Stacey E. Podkovik
Dr. Podkovik leads the neurosurgical evaluation with a pediatric focus, connecting the child’s story, symptoms, imaging, prior care, and family priorities into a clear next-step plan.
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, supports the practice through physician-led management, care coordination, and reliable systems. Dr. Stacey Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation and treatment.
When symptoms should not wait.
After a head injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for repeated vomiting, a worsening headache that does not go away, seizure, increasing confusion, unequal pupils, new weakness, or loss of consciousness with increasing drowsiness or difficulty waking.
Sources behind this overview
Family education from established health organizations.
These links support the general overview and cannot replace an individualized pediatric evaluation.
Continue exploring
Every pathway, connected.
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This page provides general educational information and does not replace a medical evaluation. Calling the office or using this site does not establish a physician-patient relationship. Iris is a scripted navigation helper and does not diagnose, triage, or provide medical advice.