Over 7 million teens play high school sports in the U.S., and millions more kids play in youth and recreational leagues. Athletics are a great way to make friends, stay active and learn life lessons. However, sports can also lead to dangerous concussions. Just like a sprained ankle, concussions take time to heal. Parents and young athletes need to understand how long concussion recovery takes and why returning to play takes time.

 

Understanding Sport-Related Concussions

A concussion is a type of brain injury that happens after you are hit in the head or body by another person or an object. This blow can cause the brain to bounce around, leading to chemical changes in the brain. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), and just like any TBI, it can be serious.

As soon as you suspect your child or teen has experienced a concussion, speak up. Learn the symptoms of concussion, and remove your athlete from a practice or game if you notice any of these signs after an injury:

  • Appearing confused, dazed or stunned
  • Balance problems
  • Changes in behavior
  • Losing consciousness
  • Memory issues, such as forgetting plays
  • Seizure, particularly with tension or stiffness in the arms or legs

 

Early Diagnosis for Successful Concussion Recovery

The first crucial step to healing after a concussion is getting athletes the medical care they need as soon as possible. Early intervention, and an accurate diagnosis from a physician who specializes in concussions, can help children and teens get back in the game sooner.

A pediatrician or concussion specialist can provide an assessment for treatment and may refer you to a neurologist or sports medicine expert, depending on symptoms. Young athletes may need neurocognitive testing to evaluate the extent of their injury.

 

Steps to Ease Healing

Concussion recovery can differ from athlete to athlete, but it typically takes weeks, not days, for the brain to heal. Taking the time needed to recover from a concussion is crucial to ensure proper healing.

Your young athlete’s medical provider will give you a treatment plan to help them gradually return to physical activities. It’s important to recognize that complete rest is no longer recommended. Concussion researchers, including those at Scottish Rite for Children, have found that returning to daily activities within two to three days helps children and teens feel better and recover faster than with total rest.

When your child or teen returns to school, talk to teachers and school administrators about the learning environment and any necessary schedule modifications.

Other steps to improve concussion recovery include:

  • Avoiding caffeinated drinks
  • Limiting screen time, which can worsen symptoms
  • Spending time with family members and friends to avoid isolation
  • Staying hydrated
  • Taking pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen as recommended

Also, help your child or teen get sufficient sleep every night. Contrary to what many people think, sleep should not be avoided after a concussion. Our researchers have found that insufficient or poor-quality sleep slows recovery.

Athletes should get:

  • Nine to 12 hours of sleep per night if they are ages 6 to 12
  • Eight to 10 hours of sleep per night if they are ages 13 to 18

Most children and teens recover from a concussion within a few weeks. However, scheduling an appointment with an experienced doctor who has managed concussions is recommended if symptoms get worse instead of better. Some children develop post-concussive syndrome, a condition that can last months after the concussion.

 

Ready to Get Back in the Game?

Returning to play should be approached with caution for athletes of all ages. The University Interscholastic League recommends a health care provider with experience managing concussions should clear an athlete before he or she starts the progression to return to play. Your child’s school or coach may have additional protocols.

Typically, after an athlete is symptom-free, back in school and handling daily activities, he or she can start steps to return to sports, including:

  • Light aerobic exercise, such as riding a stationary bike or light jogging for 10 to 15 minutes
  • Sport-specific activity for 20 to 30 minutes with increased exertion, such as a running drill
  • Non-contact training drills with resistance training, such as ball handling or passing drills

Progression to the next step should occur only if no symptoms return during this activity or for 24 hours after. With a physician’s clearance, athletes can start full-contact practice, such as scrimmages. They may be cleared for competitive play after being symptom free for 24 hours after a vigorous practice.

Talk to a health care provider if symptoms return at any stage of these steps, either during training exercises or within 24 hours after.

Throughout your child’s or teen’s recovery, work closely with the school’s athletic trainer, if one is available, and ensure your athlete follows the provider’s directions closely before returning to sports, especially contact sports.

 

If your young athlete has recently experienced a concussion, Scottish Rite for Children sports medicine specialists are here to help. Request an appointment today.