Virginia Concussion Initiative

03/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined last Tuesday’s informative VCI ECHO session on somatic symptom and functional neurological disorders featuring Dr. Douglas P. Terry.

Dr. Terry discussed how some patients who experience concussions may go on to develop somatic symptom and functional neurological disorders.

Somatic symptom disorder involves a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain or fatigue, that cause distress or disruption in daily life.

Functional neurological disorder involves altered motor or sensory responses, such as difficulty walking or speaking, without the presence of structural neurological damage.

Dr. Terry highlighted the importance of screening for and addressing these conditions in clinical practice.

If you missed this session, don’t worry–the VCI ECHO sessions are held monthly. We hope to see you next month!

Register here: https://lnkd.in/ekZXr-Hm

03/03/2026

Join the VCI ECHO Program on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at noon for "Somatic Symptom/Functional Neurological Disorders after Concussion."

In this virtual discussion, Dr. Douglas P. Terry will explore how to differentiate persisting concussion symptom trajectories from somatic symptom disorder and functional neurological disorder, helping clinicians better understand complex post-concussion presentations and improve diagnostic clarity.

Register now for free at: https://bit.ly/49aRftY

09/17/2025

Thank you to all who joined the informative VCI ECHO session last Tuesday on real-world case studies related to concussions. Your participation and thoughtful discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration in improving concussion care.

The case studies helped address practical challenges and sharpen clinical decision-making skills. Topics discussed included school and driving recommendations for individuals recovering from concussions, effective ways for school concussion management teams to communicate, and strategies to support a safe and timely return to both learning and physical activity.

If you missed this session, don’t worry – the VCI ECHO sessions are held monthly. We hope to see you next month!
Register here: https://lnkd.in/ekZXr-Hm

09/08/2025

Join the VCI ECHO Program tomorrow at noon for an engaging review of a variety of case studies. During this virtual discussion, participants will have the opportunity to share insights, ask questions, and explore practical strategies related to pediatric concussion care. Register at https://bit.ly/49aRftY.

08/04/2025

Join the VCI ECHO Program Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at noon for "Towards Greater Precision in Concussion Assessment: Interpreting Change and the Role of Culture." During this virtual discussion, Dr. Ruben Echemendia will explain test score error when comparing two test administrations at different times (e.g. baseline and post-injury). Dr. Echemendia will also explain the role of sociocultural and linguistic factors in test score interpretation. Register at https://bit.ly/49aRftY.

The VCI ECHO program is centered on collaborative learning around pediatric concussions. Earn free continuing education credits for you or your organization.

06/26/2025

Thank you to all who joined the informative VCI ECHO session last Tuesday on musculoskeletal injury risks after a concussion with Dr. David Howell.

Dr. Howell shared compelling evidence that individuals who return to activity after being cleared from a concussion face a significantly higher risk of sustaining musculoskeletal injuries.

The mechanisms behind this increased risk are not yet fully understood. One possibility is that subtle neurological deficits persist beyond symptom resolution, which current assessment tools may fail to detect.

If you missed this session, don’t worry – the VCI ECHO sessions resume monthly in August 2025. We hope to see you in August!

Register here: https://lnkd.in/ekZXr-Hm

06/08/2025

Join the VCI ECHO Program Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at noon for "Mitigating Musculoskeletal Injury Risks Post-Concussion: A Holistic Approach to Assessment and Care." During this virtual discussion, Dr. David Howell will discuss the latest scientific evidence on concussion and musculoskeletal injury risk. He will also share practical considerations and resources related to mitigating musculoskeletal injury risk in children and adolescents with concussion. Register at https://bit.ly/49aRftY.

The VCI ECHO program is centered on collaborative learning around pediatric concussions. Earn free continuing education credits for you or your organization.

05/20/2025

Thank you to all who joined the informative VCI ECHO session last Tuesday on return-to-drive guidelines after a concussion with Dr. Julianne D. Schmidt.

While there are no formal guidelines yet on when to resume driving after a concussion, Dr. Schmidt recommends avoiding driving during the acute phase—typically the first 48 to 72 hours following the injury. This recommendation is based on findings from her research, which revealed impairments during this early recovery period.

If you missed this session, don’t worry – the VCI ECHO sessions are held monthly. We hope to see you next month!

Register here: https://lnkd.in/ekZXr-Hm

05/06/2025

Join the VCI ECHO Program Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at noon for "Stay in the Right Lane: Mapping Out Return-to-Drive Guidelines After Concussion." During this virtual discussion, Dr. Julianne Schmidt will discuss the latest scientific evidence on concussion risks associated with driving. She will also share practical considerations and resources related to mitigating risk with driving in adolescents with concussion. Register at https://bit.ly/49aRftY.



The VCI ECHO program is centered on collaborative learning around pediatric concussions. Earn free continuing education credits for you or your organization.

04/04/2025

Join the VCI ECHO Program Tuesday, April 08, 2025, at noon for "Lost In Translation: Implementation of Evidence-Based Concussion Practices in the Clinical Setting." During this virtual discussion, Dr. Jake Resch and John Reynolds will discuss recent recommendations for sport-related concussion management. They will also discuss barriers for the implementation of recent recommendations for concussion management at the secondary school level of sport. Register at https://bit.ly/49aRftY.

03/31/2025

⏰ Final reminder! Register today for "Understanding Concussion: An Introduction to Mild Traumatic Brain Injury" presented by VCI and Synapse at Virginia Tech. Details below!

03/26/2025

⏰ Reminder! Don't forget to register for "Understanding Concussion: An Introduction to Mild Traumatic Brain Injury" presented by VCI and Synapse at Virginia Tech. Details below!

To honor Brain Injury Awareness Month, VCI has partnered with Synapse at Virginia Tech to present "Understanding Concussion: An Introduction to Mild Traumatic Brain Injury." This live session (virtual option also available) will discuss concussion vs. other brain injuries, common symptoms, and recovery strategies.