In 2013, the American Academy of Neurology updated their sports concussion evaluation and management guidelines for the first time in 16 years, and one of the biggest changes is to how it deals with return-to-play recommendations for young adults and children. Currently, recommendations say that young athletes should not be allowed to play again until they have been looked at by a healthcare professional.
Additional highlights from the updated guidelines include that medication does not appear to do anything to improve recovery and that those who have had concussions are at greater risk for future concussions. It is also suggested that the first 10 days after a concussion pose the greatest risk for an additional injury. Furthermore, although helmets can help prevent concussions, there is no clear data on whether different types of helmets are more beneficial.
It is also noted that people should not return to physical activity on the same day as a concussion. Instead, there should be a gradual increase of activity along with a lack of symptoms and the completion of a standardized neuropsychological test. It is also important to note that refraining from engaging in both physical and cognitive activity is important to the recovery process and that people will need to be monitored for recurring symptoms.
Along with the lasting damage that a brain injury can cause, these injuries are also dangerous because the symptoms may take years to become apparent. Additionally, once they are obvious, people may need long-term medical care and attention that is very costly. A lawyer may be able to help someone pursue compensation for the treatment they need following an accident.