Return to Play

Factors in Return To Play Decision After Concussion

When it is safe for a youth or high school athlete to return to play contact or collision sports after symptoms of concussion clear depends on many factors, says Dr. William Meehan, including the athlete's age, baseline test data, time symptoms take to clear and severity, and concussion history.

 

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Concussion Safety Laws in Place In Majority of States

Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia have passed strong youth sports concussion safety laws since May 2009.  Of the remaining nineteen states, three have passed weak concussion safety laws, ten are considering laws, and six have no concussion bills pending.  

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No Same Day Return To Play After Concussion

The most recent international consensus of concussion experts is that a young athlete with diagnosed concussion should not be allowed to return to play on the day of injury, regardless of the medical resources available and regardless of the level of athletic performance (in other words, even for an "elite" athlete).
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Concussions: Parents Are Critical Participants in Recognition, Treatment, Recovery

Parents are critical participants in the recognition and treatment of, and recovery from, a concussion, not only in the first 24 to 48 hours but during every step in the process towards an eventual return to the play.

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Sports Concussion Myths and Misconceptions

Sports concussion myths are still common, despite increased media focus and education in recent years.

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Gradual Return to Play After Concussions Recommended

Athletes who suffer concussion should follow a six-step, symptom-limited, return to play process towards return to game play and may require a longer rest period and/or extended period of non-contact exercise before return than adults because they have a different physiological response to concussion, take longer to recover, and have other unique risk factors.

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More Conservative Approach to Concussions in Children, Teens Recommended

Because the brain of the young athlete is still developing, with even subtle damage leading to learning deficits adversely affecting development, and with studies showing younger athletes recover more slowly than adults, a more conservative approach to concussions in children and teens than for older athletes is recommended.

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Concussion Evaluation and Management: An Overview

 

Sports concussion neuropsychologist Rosemarie Scolaro Moser, Ph. D. provides an overview of the concussion evaluation and management process leading, hopefully, to a student-athlete's return to sports:

1. Immediate removal from play in case of suspected concussion.  Remember: symptoms may not appear right away, especially in younger athletes.  

2. Examination by physician to rule out a more serious, potentially life-threatening brain injury.

3. Cognitive and physical rest to allow the brain to heal.

4. Return to play only when:

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Cognitive Rest After Concussion Critical To Avoiding Extended Recovery

"While there has been a lot of emphasis in recent years on return to play guidelines for concussed athletes, because our kids are students, I like to now think of concussions as having created concussed students, as opposed to concussed athletes," says Dorothy Bedford, whose daughter, Heidi, suffered a concussion while playing hockey.

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After Concussion: Return To Play Is Step By Step Process

As soon as an athlete is symptom free, he can start the step-by-step process towards a return to full game play, says Dr. William P. Meehan, III, starting with light aerobic exercise (e.g. stationary bike), and, if concussion symptoms don't recur, to more rigorous aerobic exercise (e.g.
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