From the Guidelines
The typical duration of a concussion protocol is at least 5 days, with a minimum of 24 hours for each stage, and can range from 7 to 14 days or more, depending on symptom severity and individual recovery rates. The protocol generally follows a stepwise progression that begins with complete physical and cognitive rest for 24-48 hours after injury, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1. Following this initial rest period, patients gradually return to normal activities through stages including light aerobic exercise, sport-specific exercise, non-contact training drills, full-contact practice (for athletes), and finally full clearance. Each stage typically takes at least 24 hours, with progression to the next stage only occurring if the patient remains symptom-free, as outlined in the return-to-play protocol by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 2.
- The individualized nature of concussion recovery is important to understand, as rushing through the protocol before symptoms fully resolve can prolong recovery time or lead to more serious complications, as noted in the clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics 3.
- Children and adolescents often require longer recovery periods, sometimes 30 days or more, as their developing brains may be more vulnerable to concussion effects, as highlighted in the study by the American Academy of Pediatrics 4.
- Medical supervision throughout this process is essential to ensure safe return to normal activities, and athletes should not return to play while symptomatic at rest or with exertion, as emphasized in the study by the American Academy of Pediatrics 3.
- Recent studies, such as the systematic review and meta-cluster analysis published in Sports Medicine in 2020 5, have also highlighted the importance of individualized management and treatment of sport-related concussions, taking into account the heterogeneity of symptoms and recovery trajectories.
From the Research
Concussion Protocol Duration
The typical duration of a concussion protocol can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the concussion.
- Concussion symptoms normally resolve within 7-10 days 6.
- However, some individuals may experience persistent symptoms, such as vertigo, dizziness, and balance dysfunction, which can last for several weeks or even months 6, 7, 8.
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is often prescribed to help manage these symptoms, and the duration of VRT can range from several weeks to several months 6, 7, 8.
- The effectiveness of VRT in reducing symptoms and improving outcomes has been demonstrated in several studies 6, 7, 8.
- Exercise prescription patterns for individuals with concussion often include eye-head coordination exercises, standing static balance exercises, and ambulation exercises 9.