Returning to Sports and Activities After a Concussion – Tips

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

Anyone can have a concussion. It is common to get a concussion while playing sports or doing athletic activities. Concussions can also happen outside of sports, such as falling and hitting your head. If you have a concussion, you may have temporary problems with brain functions that involve memory, speech, balance, and coordination. You also may also feel dizzy or nauseous. You may have trouble thinking clearly. Symptoms usually go away in a couple of weeks. Sometimes they last longer.

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. You may also need to take time away from work or other activities that require concentration, depending on how severe your concussion is. Going back too soon increases the risk of another concussion. Concussions can have serious effects on your brain. 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 or other activities?

You should stop participating in an activity immediately after you hit your head or a concussion is suspected. You need to rest physically and mentally. You should also be monitored carefully by another adult. How quickly you can return to sports and other activities depends on:

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

How should I gradually return to sports or other activities?

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 when 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. Gradually advance through the following activity levels 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, run, or lift weights.
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 people can progress quickly through these levels. Other people will need several days to go from one level to the next. Do not move on to the next level until you have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours following the previous level. Symptoms to watch for include:

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

If you notice any of these warning signs during exercise or other physical activities, rest for at least 24 hours or until the symptoms go away. You can then resume activity. Start at the activity level that you were on before your symptoms began.

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

Concussion symptoms may 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 new or worsening symptoms, such as:

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

Certain health issues may make your recovery from a concussion take longer. Let your health care provider know if you have a history of:

• Migraines.
• Depression.
• Mood disorders.
• Anxiety.
• A developmental disorder or a brain-related (neurobehavioral) disorder, such as ADHD.

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 or other physical activities?
• What are the short-term and long-term consequences of my injury?
• Should I consider not playing sports anymore?
• What happens if I get another concussion?
• What are the warning signs of a 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?
• How might the concussion affect my professional life?
• Should I limit how much time I watch TV, play video games, or use a computer?
• Do I need to take time away from work?
• Do I need more sleep than normal?
• Do I need medicine for a concussion?
• Could I have problems with memory or learning?