Sports Concussion

As parents and coaches, we can't always prevent active children and teens from getting concussions. When they do, our team uses the most advanced technology to better diagnose and treat them. Our pediatric concussion specialists are trained in ImPACT®, a special, proven system to evaluate concussions.

Whether your child experiences mild head trauma or a more severe brain injury, we can help. We'll work with your child - and their coach - to ensure a full recovery and a safe return to activity.

Learn more about the symptoms and effects of concussions in children and teens.

How does the ImPACT concussion program work?

To measure possible changes in brain function, our team uses Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). This computer-based assessment tool is backed by scientific research and strong evidence of its effectiveness.

Ideally, young athletes come to us for a baseline test before the sports season. This evaluation provides our team with a record of your child's healthy brain activity. Then, if they do experience a concussion, we can compare new results to existing records and determine the severity of the injury.

How we use ImPACT to diagnose and treat concussions

Even without a baseline test, ImPACT's diagnostic tools help us accurately measure changes in your child's brain function after a head injury. ImPACT testing can highlight even small changes that might otherwise be easily missed.

This information enables us to customize a treatment plan designed to manage the concussion, from diagnosis through safe return to activities.

Getting your child back in the game

Our experts create a personalized, step-by-step plan for return to play that's paced to fit your child's needs. Resuming play too quickly, when the brain hasn't completely healed, puts your child at greater risk of re-injury. It also increases the risk of long-term damage.

ImPACT provides computerized assessments to monitor your child's recovery every step of the way. This feedback helps us determine when your child is fully healed and can safely return to their sport.

Get to know our sport concussion team

ImPACT is the most widely recognized, science-based concussion and evaluation program available today. A select group of doctors at Cook Children's have completed rigorous training to earn their credentials. With seven ImPACT-trained doctors in four locations, our program is here for you and your child, when and where you need us.

Meet our doctors

John Hicks, MD

Sports Medicine

4.9 out of 5

102 Ratings

Accepting new patients

682-885-4405

Krystle Farmer, MD

Sports Medicine

5 out of 5

83 Ratings

Accepting new patients

682-885-4405

Meet our athletic trainers

Aaren Stratton

Aaren Stratton ATC, LAT, CES

Aaren started working with Cook Children's in 2023 as an Athletic Trainer in the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine department. She received her Bachelor of Science Athletic Training degree from University of Texas Arlington in 2011. Prior to coming to Cook Children’s, Aaren worked as a secondary school athletic trainer at Mansfield Lake Ridge High School for ten years.

Aaren has been a member of the National Athletic Training Association since 2008. She is a Corrective Exercise Specialist as well as an ImPACT Trained Athletic Trainer.

Aaren lives in Mansfield, Texas with her husband and their children. In her free time, she enjoys kickboxing, watching sports and spending time with her family.

Carolyn Snow

Carolyn Snow MS, LAT, ATC, OTC

Carolyn started working with Cook Children's in 2022 as an athletic trainer in the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine department. She received her Bachelor of Science Athletic Training degree from Texas Christian University in 2010. She went on to receive her Master's degree from the University of North Texas in 2012 in Kinesiology where she was also the athletic trainer for their volleyball team. Prior to coming to Cook Children's, Carolyn has worked in orthopedic clinics with all age groups where she would assist in clinic and surgery.

Carolyn has been a member of the National Athletic Training Association since 2006. She is a Certified Orthopaedic Technologist as well as an ImPACT Trained Athletic Trainer. Carolyn has a passion for helping her community, especially keeping youth in the activities they love.

Carolyn lives in Weatherford, Texas with her husband and their children. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, watching sports and spending time with her family.