Season 3: Episode 6
Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Heads Up: Protecting Kids from Concussions
Parents know these panicky moments all too well: a tumble off the couch, a hit on the field, the bonking of heads during a bout of roughhousing. Concussions are more common than many of us realize, and they don’t just happen to athletes.
In this episode, we hear from two parents, Casey and Pete, who each faced scary situations when their kids, a toddler and a teen, experienced head injuries. Their stories kick off a larger conversation with Dr. Andrew Reisner, pediatric neurosurgeon and Medical Director of the Concussion Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Dr. Ashley Brouillette, a pediatric sports medicine physician who treats teen athletes and helps guide their recovery.
The engaging discussion highlights signs to watch for, why vomiting can be a warning sign and what “treatment” looks like for a concussion. From sports risks to recovery tips, and even when to consider pulling a child from contact sports, this episode offers a clear, calm look at what parents need to know and do when head injuries happen.
Casey Corbier, Walker’s Mom
While talking to her husband on her drive home from work, Casey heard her youngest son, Walker, wailing in the background. Walker, who was just shy of 2 at the time, had fallen down a set of 14 stairs. She trusted her gut and brought him to Children’s where an evaluation confirmed a mild brain injury.
Pete LeVan, Logan’s Dad
Pete’s son, Logan, was at his high school’s JV soccer practice when a kicked ball took an unexpected curve and hit Logan in the back of his head. After briefly losing consciousness on the field, Logan quickly improved and seemed to have returned to normal that evening. While at school the next day, he began experiencing headaches—which then led to the diagnosis of a slightly complicated concussion.
Andrew Reisner, MD, Pediatric Neurosurgeon and Medical Director of the Concussion Program
Dr. Andrew Reisner’s name is often used synonymously with “hero” in the homes of families throughout Georgia. He specializes in pediatric neurosurgery with areas of interest that include brain tumors, concussion, Gamma knife radiosurgery, hydrocephalus and pituitary disorders. At home, he’s the proud father of two grown children.
Ashley Brouillette, MD, Pediatric Sports Medicine Physician
While training as a pediatrician, Dr. Ashley Brouillette developed a passion for caring for teen athletes. As a Pediatric Sports Medicine Primary Care Physician, she specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries, non-operative musculoskeletal injuries, overuse injuries and concussion management. She is double board-certified in pediatrics and sports medicine, and currently serves as the team physician for Stockbridge High School and Hampton High School.
Lynn Smith
Lynn Smith is a veteran journalist, podcast host and mom of two boys. Her experience as the parent of a patient at Children’s inspired her to advocate for spreading awareness of childhood illnesses and injuries.
