From the Guidelines
Screens should be limited during concussion recovery as they can exacerbate symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, and visual disturbances. The cognitive demands of processing visual information on screens can overwhelm an injured brain, increasing cognitive load and worsening fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mental fogginess 1. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, cognitive rest is recommended to prevent exacerbation of symptoms, which may include limiting screen time and taking regular breaks to avoid increased symptoms 1.
Some key points to consider when it comes to screens and concussion recovery include:
- Digital screens emit blue light that can trigger or intensify headaches and eye strain
- The cognitive demands of processing visual information on screens can increase cognitive load and worsen symptoms
- The flickering and motion on screens may provoke dizziness and balance issues in concussion patients
- Using blue light filters, reducing screen brightness, and taking frequent breaks can help minimize symptom aggravation
It is essential to follow a gradual return-to-screen protocol, starting with brief sessions and slowly increasing as tolerated, to allow the brain adequate rest periods to heal while gradually rebuilding tolerance to visual stimulation. By limiting screen time and taking steps to minimize visual stimulation, patients can help reduce the exacerbation of concussion symptoms and promote a smoother recovery 1.
From the Research
Screen Time and Concussion Symptoms
- Screens can worsen concussion symptoms due to the visual and cognitive demands they place on the brain 2, 3.
- A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that patients who engaged in screen time after a concussion had a longer recovery time compared to those who abstained from screen time 2.
- The study discovered that the screen time permitted group had a significantly longer median recovery time of 8.0 days compared to 3.5 days in the screen time abstinent group 2.
Mechanisms of Screen Time Impact
- The exact mechanisms by which screen time affects concussion symptoms are not fully understood, but it is thought that screen time may exacerbate symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and cognitive issues 4.
- Screen time may also interfere with the brain's ability to recover from a concussion by disrupting normal sleep patterns and increasing stress levels 3.
Recommendations for Screen Time After Concussion
- The current evidence suggests that avoiding or limiting screen time in the acute phase of concussion recovery may be beneficial in reducing the duration of symptoms 2, 3.
- However, the optimal amount and timing of screen time after a concussion are not yet clear, and further research is needed to inform clinical guidelines 3.
- Recommending moderation in screen time may be the best approach to clinical management, as both low and high screen time have been associated with relatively more severe symptoms in the concussion group compared to the orthopedic injury group 3.