Returning to play after a head injury during a sporting event
The American Academy of Neurology recommends the following guidelines for returning to play after a concussion sustained during a sporting event. The guidelines assume that the player has been evaluated by a doctor both right after the injury and again before returning to play. They are not intended to be used by the coaching staff.
When to return to play after a concussion during a sporting event Grade of concussion Number of concussions Time until return to play Grade 1
- Brief confusion
- No loss of consciousness
- Symptoms of concussion that return to normal after less than 15 minutes
1
Same day
2 or more
1 week
Grade 2
- Brief confusion
- No loss of consciousness
- Symptoms of concussion that last longer than 15 minutes
1
1 week
2 or more
2 weeks
Grade 3
1 brief (seconds)
1 week
1 prolonged (minutes)
2 weeks
More than 1
4 weeks or longer, based on decision of doctor
For more information, see the American Academy of Neurology Web site at www.thebrainmatters.org or the Brain Injury Association Web site at www.biausa.org.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: July 9, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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