What to Expect at Your First Appointment at the Brain Health and Wellness Center

If your child is dealing with a concussion or other brain injury, you may feel uncertain about how to give them the help they need so they can move forward. Our team of head injury experts are national leaders in treating concussions and head injuries, so we can guide you in the right direction.

At this first appointment, we will confirm your child’s diagnosis and develop a care plan that fits their unique needs. Our goal is the same as yours—to help them succeed in school and get them back to the activities they love.

Making an Appointment at the Brain Health and Wellness Center

We want it to be easy for you to get the care your child needs. You can self-refer to our clinic by contacting us. You also can get a referral from your child’s pediatrician, another physician or hospital, or the emergency department.

The Brain Health and Wellness Center has multiple locations across Cincinnati. Find a location near you.

Before Your Appointment

Our team will determine which of our three clinics your child needs:

• Head Injury / Concussion Clinic
• Advanced Clinic
• Complex Clinic

You will complete all intake paperwork the day of the appointment, so please arrive early to register and complete clinical intake paperwork.

On the Day of Your Visit to the Brain Health and Wellness Center

Arriving At Your Appointment

At the Burnet Campus, please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment to allow time for parking and walking. At the Liberty Campus, you can arrive 25 minutes early, and at the neighborhood locations, you can arrive 20 minutes early. You do not need to bring anything special for the appointment, but you may want to pack a snack and drink for your child.

At Your Appointment

The purpose of this appointment is for our providers to learn about your child’s injury, perform a physical exam and develop a care plan that will meet their needs. The length of the appointment depends on which clinic your child is visiting:

• Head Injury / Concussion Clinic—approximately one hour. Your child will see a physician who specializes in concussions.
• Advanced and Complex Clinics—approximately two hours. Your child will see physician(s), a behavioral health specialist and a school liaison who all specialize in brain injury recovery. In the complex clinic, your child’s care team will also include a social worker when needed. Your care team will coordinate care with partnering services as needed (occupational or physical therapy, speech therapy, ophthalmology, neuropsychology or vestibular therapy, and others).

After Your Visit to the Brain Health and Wellness Center

You will receive an “After Visit Summary” at the end of your appointment. It will include important details about provider recommendations, including upcoming appointments, test results, referrals to additional specialists and all medications (including new prescriptions). It also will include contact information for your child’s care team.

Possible next steps depend on the individual child and could include a continued care plan and integration back into school, sports and other activities.