Virginia Concussion Initiative

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Virginia Concussion Initiative

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Protecting and supporting all young minds VCI spoke with individuals in home, school, and community settings to better understand these challenges.

The Virginia Concussion Initiative (VCI) is a multidisciplinary team of concussion specialists who recognize there are challenges in implementing concussion best practices. These findings were used to create guidance, resources, and networks of support to build local capacity. VCI is funded through a partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

10/07/2026

Join the VCI ECHO Program on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at noon for "Autonomic Dysregulation in Persisting Symptoms After a Concussion."

During this virtual discussion, Dr. Aliyah Snyder will review the latest scientific evidence on autonomic dysregulation in individuals with persisting symptoms after a concussion and share practical considerations and resources related to the assessment and management of autonomic dysregulation after a concussion.

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

09/02/2026

Join the VCI ECHO Program on Tuesday, September 08, 2026, at noon for "Reducing Nihilism in Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome Management."

During this virtual discussion, Dr. Shawn Eagle will review the latest scientific evidence on traumatic encephalopathy syndrome and share practical considerations, management resources, and strategies for supporting individuals.

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

08/05/2026

Join the VCI ECHO Program on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at noon for "Guardian Caps-Where They Help and Where They Don't."

In this virtual discussion, Dr. Patricia Kelshaw and Dr. Katherine Breedlove will explore the history and development of helmets and headgear in sport, examine the role of helmet certification and testing standards (including NOCSAE, STAR, and ASTM) in promoting athlete safety, and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of Guardian Cap adoption.

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

06/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined last Tuesday’s informative VCI ECHO session on advancing return-to-learn in K-12 students with concussions.

The presentation highlighted that return-to-learn is not always prioritized in concussion management. In fact, many states do not contain return-to-learn language in their legislation. Virginia, however, is doing a great job providing guidance for return-to-learn protocols supporting students’ safe and structured return to academics following a concussion.

While there is a growing body of literature on return-to-learn, Dr. Belivaqua reminded us that there are still important gaps that remain—particularly in the effectiveness of return-to-learn protocols and the limited research focused specifically on K–12 student populations in isolation.

VCI ECHO sessions will return in August! Register here: https://lnkd.in/ekZXr-Hm

05/26/2026

Join the VCI ECHO Program on Tuesday, June 09, 2026, at noon for "Advancing Return-to-Learn in K-12: Evidence, Application, and Remaining Gaps."

In this virtual discussion, Dr. Zachary Bevilacqua will review the latest scientific evidence on return-to-learn (RTL) guidelines for K–12 students, integrate findings from systematic reviews to enhance existing guidance for supporting K–12 students with concussions, and identify current gaps in knowledge related to effective RTL support.

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

05/05/2026

Join the VCI ECHO Program on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at noon for "Leaps, Turns, & Head Concerns: Recommendations to Support Artistic Athletes Returning to Performance after Concussion."

In this virtual discussion, Dr. Allyssa Memmini and Kristen Schuyten will review the latest scientific evidence on concussions in the performing arts, compare and contrast return-to-learn and -play considerations among sport athletes and artistic athletes, and share practical considerations and resources to aid in treating performance athletes as they return-to-play.

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

04/08/2026

Join the VCI ECHO Program on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at noon for "From Sideline to Courtroom: Concussion Risk, Liability, and Policy."

In this virtual discussion, John Reynolds will identify essential components of an effective school concussion policy, including role definition, communication procedures, and return-to-play and return-to-learn progressions.

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

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

Address

10890 George Mason Circle Katherine Johnson Hall 221, MSN 4E5
Manassas, VA
20110

Website

http://concussion.gmu.edu/

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