Returning to Sports After a Concussion in Teenagers – Tips

A concussion is a brain injury from a direct blow to the head or body that causes the brain to shake quickly back and forth inside the skull. This can damage brain cells and cause chemical changes in the brain.

Concussions cause temporary problems with certain brain functions that involve speech, memory, balance, and coordination. After a concussion, you may feel dizzy or nauseated and have trouble thinking clearly.

Anyone can have a concussion. It is common to get a concussion while playing sports or doing athletic activities. It is important to wait to return to activity until your symptoms are completely gone and a health care provider says it is safe to do so. Going back too soon increases the risk of another concussion.

Concussions can have serious effects on your brain. Young people who have more than one concussion are at greater risk of having chronic headaches and problems with learning.

When can I return to sports?

You should never continue to play once the injury occurs. You need to rest physically and mentally. You also should be monitored carefully by an adult. How quickly you can return to sports and other activities depends on:

• The severity of your concussion.
• Your health before the injury.
• Whether you have had a previous concussion.

Before you return to sports, you should resume your schoolwork. However, the return to schoolwork needs to be gradual and may require temporary limited or no use of screens. Your health care provider may also restrict your participation in gym class. Once you are back in a normal school routine and you do not have any symptoms, you can start the process of returning to sports.

What are the steps for returning to sports?

You should not resume your sports or activities until you are symptom-free without medicine for at least 24 hours. Your health care provider will determine when your symptoms are completely gone and it is safe for you to practice and play sports again.

It is important that you return to sports gradually. Do not try to do too much too soon. Follow these five steps to return to sports:

1. Begin with only light aerobic activity to increase your heart rate. You may bike, walk, or jog for up to 10 minutes. Do not jump or run.
2. Get moderate physical activity with some head and body movements. Running short distances, fast jogging, using a stationary bike, and moderate-intensity weight lifting are okay.
3. Participate in high-intensity exercise without physical contact.
4. Return to your normal practice routine, which may include full contact.
5. Return to play in games, matches, or other competitions.

Some teens progress quickly through these steps. Others will need several days to go from one step to the next. Do not move on to the next step until you have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours following the previous step. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Fatigue.
• Headache.
• Problems with balance, coordination, or memory.

If you notice any of these warning signs, rest for at least 24 hours or until the symptoms go away. You can then resume activity. Start at the step before your symptoms began.

What symptoms are important to report to my health care provider?

Concussion symptoms might not appear right away. They could also get worse at any time. It is important to let your health care provider know if you have any of these symptoms:

• Drowsiness or fatigue.
• Headache.
• Memory loss.
• Confusion.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Problems with balance and coordination.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Weakness or numbness.
• Slurred speech.
• Seizures.
• Trouble recognizing faces or places.
• Inability to remember events before or after the injury.
• Irritability.
• Changes in sleep habits.
• Personality changes.

Some health issues may make your recovery from a concussion take longer. Let your health care provider know if you have a developmental disorder, such as ADHD. Also let your health care provider know if you have a history of migraines or a mental health disorder.

What are some questions to ask my health care provider?

When you have a concussion, learning as much as you can about your injury can help you protect your long-term health. Ask your health care provider the following questions:

• Is it safe for me to return to sports?
• Should I limit how much time I watch TV, play video games, or use a computer?
• Do I need more sleep than normal?
• Do I need medicine for a concussion?
• What are the potential long-term effects of my injury?
• Could I have problems with memory or learning?
• Should I consider not playing sports anymore?
• What happens if I get another concussion?
• Could I have a concussion without knowing it?
• When should I go to the emergency room?
• How can I prevent another concussion from happening?