Kristen Geiger, MD, Pediatrician and Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist
Boulder Medical Center
In Boulder County and across Colorado, youth sports are a big part of growing up—whether it’s soccer in Boulder, flag football in Louisville, or skiing in the Rockies. With all that movement and momentum, concussions in young athletes are an unfortunate reality. And unlike scraped knees or broken bones, concussions often go unnoticed or underestimated.
Dr. Kristen Geiger, a board-certified pediatrician and non-surgical pediatric sports medicine specialist, sees patients across Boulder County and beyond. She has become a go-to resource for families dealing with concussions and other sports-related injuries in children and teens.
“A concussion is essentially a bruise on the brain,” says Dr. Geiger. “We can’t usually see it on an MRI or CT unless there’s something more serious, like bleeding or pressure. That’s why we rely on careful assessment and symptom tracking.”
Why Concussions Take Longer to Heal in Kids
Concussions in children and adolescents are different from those in adults. “Younger brains have more neural connections that need to heal,” Dr. Geiger explains. “So it often takes longer for symptoms to resolve.”
The good news? Awareness is improving. “Parents and coaches are far more educated than they were ten years ago,” she says. “They’re asking the right questions and taking concussions seriously. That makes a big difference in outcomes.”
Symptoms of Concussions in Young Athletes
While symptoms vary, some common signs of a concussion in children and teens include:
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- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- “Foggy” or slowed thinking
- Balance problems
- Emotional changes
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Sleep disruptions
“Sometimes the signs show up days later,” Dr. Geiger notes. “That’s why it’s important to watch for changes even after the initial injury.”
How to Treat a Concussion in Children
If your child loses consciousness, has repeated vomiting, can’t move normally, or shows worsening symptoms, go straight to the emergency room. But if the symptoms are milder, the best treatment usually starts at home:
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- Limit screen time, reading, and homework
- Avoid physical activity, including sports and rough play
- Encourage naps and quiet time
- Use calming activities like audiobooks or light conversation
“As symptoms improve, you can slowly add activities back in,” says Dr. Geiger. “Always check in with your pediatrician before resuming sports or full academic work.”
Preventing Concussions in Youth Sports
While not all concussions are preventable, innovative strategies can reduce the risk:
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- Use proper protective gear—and wear it correctly
- Practice safe techniques
- Follow the rules of the game
- Teach kids when not to engage in high-risk plays
“Smart play is key,” Dr. Geiger emphasizes. “For example, in soccer, most concussions come not from heading the ball, but from collisions with other players. We can help kids recognize those situations and play more safely.”
About Dr. Kristen Geiger, Pediatrician
Boulder Medical Center Boulder – Foothills
Dr. Geiger is a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric sports medicine specialist who provides comprehensive care for children of all ages. In addition to general pediatrics, she offers non-surgical sports medicine services—helping young athletes recover from concussions, joint injuries, overuse conditions, and other activity-related concerns.
Resources
- Call (303) 938-4750 for an appointment
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