From the Guidelines
Patients who have experienced a concussion should take 2 to 3 days off work or school to refrain from strenuous mental or physical activity until they are symptom-free. This recommendation is based on the study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine in 2008 1. The study highlights the importance of rest and avoiding activities that can exacerbate postconcussive symptoms, such as:
- Chronic headaches
- Dizziness, balance problems
- Nausea
- Vision problems
- Increased sensitivity to noise and/or light
- Depression or mood swings
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
- Sleep difficulties
- Feeling tired all the time
It is essential to prioritize proper rest and recovery to prevent prolonging symptoms and recovery time. A gradual return to activities over 1-2 weeks may be necessary, and return to work should be tailored to the individual's unique situation and job demands. As recommended, proper patient referral to a specialist in traumatic brain injury is also crucial for optimal recovery 1.
From the Research
Concussion Recovery and Time Off Work
- The provided studies do not specify a exact number of days to take off work after a concussion, as recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the concussion 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Rest is considered the primary treatment for acute symptoms of concussion, and ongoing symptoms may require a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, including physical therapy, vestibular and ocular therapy, and psychological support 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The recovery process for concussion can take days to weeks, and in some cases, symptoms can persist for longer periods 2, 3, 4, 5.
- A study on children and youth with concussion found that headache presence at 7 days post-concussion was not associated with acute treatment with ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or both 6.
- Treatment approaches for concussion and post-concussion syndrome depend on the clinician's ability to differentiate among various conditions associated with these symptoms, and may include a combination of treatments such as sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise, cervical physical therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy 3, 4, 5.