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Sports neurology isn’t limited to injuries that occur during competitive sports. Your child could sustain a neurological injury during any activity, whether on the playground or riding their bicycle. But, no matter how their injury happens, they can benefit from the unique approach of sports neurology.
Our team at THINK Neurology for Kids includes sports neurology specialists. Sports neurology is one of today’s most advanced and innovative fields. It’s also a field that’s especially relevant for children who need the best neurological care to ensure they can enjoy a long, active life.
Would your child benefit from this specialty? These are the top four reasons to consider scheduling a sports neurology appointment.
Treat neurological injuries
Sports neurologists offer a unique perspective that dramatically improves your child’s recovery from a sports-related neurological injury. In addition to their pediatric neurology expertise, our team has extensive experience evaluating, diagnosing, and treating neurological injuries associated with athletic activities.
Combining the two specialties is crucial for children and teens who want to return to activities with minimal risk for reinjuries or long-lasting neurological problems. Without the skill of a sports neurologist, your child may not get the focused care they need to prevent permanent nerve damage.
After treating a neurological problem, our team also works with you and your child, creating a plan to help them avoid or reduce their risk of future injuries.
Protect existing conditions
If your child has a neurological condition like epilepsy or multiple sclerosis, you may wonder if they can safely participate in sports. Our sports neurology team carefully evaluates your child’s health and offers guidance on whether they should play sports, which activities are best for them, and how they can safely participate.
Improve neurological health
Beyond having fun playing sports, there’s another reason to promote athletics for children and teens with neurological disorders: Exercise improves the brain and neurological connection.
For example, balance, coordination, muscle strength, concentration, mental processing, and resilience are all neurologically based functions that improve in children who participate in athletics.
Even if your child doesn’t want to engage in competitive sports, or they have a neurological condition that keeps them out of their favorite sport, we can recommend activities or develop an exercise plan that improves their neurological (and physical) health.
Optimize performance
One of the most innovative aspects of sports neurology is using advanced techniques to improve mental and physical performance. The human brain can be trained at any age, including in children and teens.
The brain builds and reorganizes nerve connections and pathways in response to stimulation, whether that simulation comes from learning in the classroom, purposeful and controlled stimulation by a neurologist, or changes triggered by an injury.
The peripheral nerves throughout your child’s body may also heal and restore connections with exercise and stimulation.
We use various techniques to stimulate the brain and nervous systems to improve your child’s neurological, motor, and cognitive functions.
Will sports neurology help my child?
There’s no doubt that sports neurology offers exceptional care after a sports-related injury and can guide decisions about the best activities for children with a neurological disorder.
Meeting with our team is the best way to learn whether your child may gain other benefits from sports neurology. After learning about your child’s unique challenges, they explain possible therapies and answer your questions. Then you can make an informed decision about your child’s neurology care.
To schedule a sports neurology appointment at THINK Neurology for Kids, call the office in The Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, and Lakeway, Texas, or use online booking.