Ongoing management of a concussion or suspected concussion

Rest is the cornerstone of concussion treatment.

This involves resting the body, ‘physical rest’, and resting the brain, ‘cognitive rest’ and avoidance of:

• Physical activities such as running, cycling, swimming, some work activities etc.
• Cognitive activities, such as school work, homework, reading, television, video games etc. Students with a diagnosis of concussion may need allowance for impaired cognition during recovery, such as additional time for classwork, homework and exams

Anyone with a concussion or suspected concussion should not:

• be left alone in the first 24 hours
• consume alcohol in the first 24 hours, and thereafter should avoid alcohol until free of all concussion symptoms
• drive a motor vehicle and should not return to driving until provided with medical or healthcare professional clearance or, if no medical or healthcare professional advice is available, should not drive until free of all concussion symptoms

After the minimum rest period AND if symptom free at rest, a graduated return to play (GRTP) program should be followed.

Students must have returned to school or full studies before restarting physical activity.