Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit
You have been given this information because you have had a concussion and after a period of rest you will want to return to normal activities and sport.
Symptoms of concussion you may be experiencing:
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy, tired or sick
- Sleep disturbance
- Difficulties with concentration, thinking and problem-solving
- Restlessness
- Problems with memory or balance
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling more emotional or irritable
You should let your coach, trainer or teacher know about your injury and symptoms. It is important to recognise that you may need to limit the amount of activity you do following a concussion to aid recovery.
Returning to sport
You should only return to sport when you are symptom-free when performing daily activities and simple physical activity. You should return to sport following a graded return to play plan. Progress through each stage once you are symptom free at the current stage for 24 hours. Example of a graded return to play plan:
- Stage 1: Relative rest 24 to 48 hours
Take it easy, keep screen time to a minimum - Stage 2: Return to daily activities and light physical activity
Introduce light physical activity such as walking - Stage 3: Aerobic exercise and low level body weight resistance training
Introduce low intensity exercise and body weight resistance training - Stage 4 (no earlier than day 8): Increase intensity and resistance
Return to non-contact training where there is no risk of further head injury - Stage 5 (no earlier than day 15): Return to full contact training
Return to full contact training as long as symptom free at rest for the previous 14 days - Stage 6 (no earlier than day 21): Return to play
Return to normal game play as long as symptom free during stages 4 and 5
It is important to pay careful attention to how you feel throughout the plan and only move up a step if your symptoms do not come back during or after the activity.
If your symptoms return stop these activities and rest. Resume the plan from the previous step after you have not experienced symptoms for a minimum of 24 hours.
Returning to learning
You should let your teacher/manager know about your injury and symptoms. It can be harder to concentrate and you can get tired more easily. It is important to recognise that you may need to limit the amount of concentrating you do following a concussion to aid recovery. Limiting screen time is also important.
Treating pain
If needed, painkiller options include the following:
Paracetamol is usually recommended for painful sprains or strains.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve pain and may also limit inflammation and swelling. You can buy some types (for example, ibuprofen) at pharmacies, without a prescription either topically as a cream, or as tablets.
You should check the medication advice leaflet to ensure you are safe to take these as some patients with asthma or stomach ulcers may not be able to.
Further information
For further advice and information about your condition, please choose from the following:
- ‘NHS Patient Choices’ website: www.nhs.uk
- ‘Making Lives Better’ patient website: www.patient.info
- Telephone NHS 111
- Contact your General Practitioner
- England Rugby – Graduated return to Activity and Sport Programme: www.keepyourbootson.co.uk
Contact details
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- The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Telephone: 01642 850850 - The Friarage, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1JG
Telephone: 01609 779911 - Redcar Primary Care Hospital, West Dyke Road, Redcar, TS10 4NW
Telephone: 01642 511000
If you have any medical concerns or need advice please contact 111, for further information regarding this leaflet please contact s[email protected]
This email will be monitored 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, i.e. Braille or Large Print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]