Why Cognitive and Physical Rest After Concussion?

 

Sports concussion neuropsychologist Rosemarie Scolaro Moser, Ph. D. says  the reason a student-athlete needs to get cognitive and physical rest after a concussion is to reduce the work the injured brain has to do to allow it to heal.

Cognitive rest means:

• No computer or video games;
• No homework;
• No reading;
• No tests;
• Limited television (no sports programs); and
• No socializing with friends (including text messaging).

Physical rest means:

• No weightlifting
• No sports
• No exercising
• Lots of  sleep, or, if sleep is hard, as much rest, as possible.

How long a period of cognitive and physical rest a student-athlete will need varies, which is why she recommends that concussion recovery be managed by a sports concussion specialist.

 

For more MomsTeam videos featuring Dr. Moser, click here.