Topic Contents
Returning to Play After a Head Injury During a Sporting Event
Topic Overview
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.
| Grade of concussion | Number of concussions | Time until return to play |
|---|---|---|
|
Grade 1
|
1 |
Same day |
|
2 or more |
1 week |
|
|
Grade 2
|
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.
Related Information
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Updated | July 9, 2008 |
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Last Updated: July 9, 2008
Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
