Sport-Related Concussion

Key Points Sport-Related Concussion Sport-related concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that typically resolves within weeks, but symptoms may persist beyond 1 month. Diagnosis depends on relevant signs and symptoms appearing within 72 hours after injury as well as on vestibular and oculomotor findings. Adjunctive tests such as exercise testing are not typically necessary for making the diagnosis. Cervical injury often accompanies concussion and, if untreated, may delay recovery. Cognitive, mood, and sleep problems frequently have psychosocial origins that may be preinjury conditions that were exacerbated by the concussion. Strict cognitive and physical rest (referred to as "cocooning") does not facilitate recovery. Light physical activity and graduated aerobic exercise that are tailored to symptoms and heart rate and that are initiated within 24 to 72 hours after injury facilitate recovery and reduce the incidence of symptoms persisting beyond 28 days.