Busting Concussion Myths: What SLPs Need to Know

Unpack the myths, realities, and clinical considerations surrounding pediatric concussions with an interprofessional team from The University of Tulsa's Concussion Center.

Guests: Laura Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIST; Rachel Hildebrand, PhD, LAT/ATC, CBIS; and Jennifer Steward, PhD

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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by an interprofessional team from The University of Tulsa's Concussion Center. Together, they explore common misconceptions about concussions, including how symptoms present differently across toddlers, children, and adolescents, and why recognizing these differences is critical for timely identification and care. The conversation also highlights important topics such as second impact syndrome, current best practices in concussion management, and the role of interprofessional collaboration in supporting recovery.

About the Guest(s): Laura Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIST, is an Associate Professor in Communication Sciences & Disorders at The University of Tulsa. She is a Co-Director of the Concussion Center and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer. Her clinical and research interest is acquired brain injuries, with a specific focus on concussion.

Rachel Hildebrand, PhD, LAT/ATC, CBIS is a Clinical Associate Professor of Athletic Training at The University of Tulsa. She is the co-Director of the Concussion Center at The University of Tulsa. Her research has highly focused on interdisciplinary concussion management, specifically for those experiencing prolonged concussion recovery.

Jennifer Steward, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and an Applied Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Tulsa. She has been a member of the concussion team since the Concussion Center’s opening, and supervises advanced clinical psychology doctoral students in their work as part of the interdisciplinary team.

Show Notes:

• University of Tulsa Concussion Center
• Heads Up CDC
• HEADS UP to Schools: Online Concussion Training
• Pedsconcussion.com
• Concussioninsportgroup.com
• Love Money: Support The University of Tulsa