What is the typical duration of a concussion protocol?

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Last updated: June 10, 2025 • View editorial policy

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.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Exercise prescription patterns in patients treated with vestibular rehabilitation after concussion.

Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy, 2013

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.