Information for Physicians

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), individuals who have been injured in:

• High-speed activities (e.g. car accident)
• Sports and recreational activities
• Falls, especially from a significant distance
• Child mistreatment
• Blast exposures (e.g. military personnel)

How do I determine when my patients can resume their normal activities?

According to the CDC, a patient should not undertake any activity that causes concussion symptoms to reemerge. Physical and mental rest are the keys to recovery.

Returning to home and community activities:

• Patients who experience difficulty with attention, processing speed or reaction time should avoid driving
• Patients who experience severe fatigue should get adequate sleep at night and take daytime naps
  

Returning to school:

Collaborate with parents and teachers to implement accommodations for the patient and to help limit his or her cognitive exertion until symptoms subside. Concussed students may need the following supports:

• Time off from school
• Shortened days and classes
• Extended time to complete homework and tests
• Reduced homework and in-class work
• Exemption from testing

Returning to home and community activities:

Athletes should not participate in games, recreational activities or gym class while concussion symptoms persist.  They can return to physical activities when they are symptom-free at rest and during physical exertion.  Exertion should be increased gradually. The CDC recommends following a step-by-step exertion.

Returning to work:

According to the CDC, patients should refrain from working immediately after the injury to help facilitate recovery. Until a patient fully recovers, he or she may need the following support:

• Schedule considerations: shortened workday, breaks, reduced assignments
• Safety consideration: no driving, no heavy lifting, avoid heights
  

Learn more about the CDC recommendations.