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January 12, 2015
The world of sports concussion management continues to evolve with the most recent study from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. The authors of the study randomly assigned 88 adolescent athletes who suffered a concussion to two different treatment regimens. Group A was given strict rest for 5 days. Group B was told to rest for 1-2 days. Strict rest was defined as no school, work or physical activity. The strict rest group is based on current recommendations for concussion management.
The results were startling for me since we are currently following the strict rest guidelines. The strict rest group did not improve any faster with respect to symptoms, balance or mentation. Confounding popular wisdom, the strict rest group actually complained of worse symptoms during the study period compared to group B.
What it all boils down to is this - we still do not know what is the ideal way to manage a concussion. What is clear to me for all parents of athletes is this:
1) Concussions are serious issues and not to be taken lightly
2) Any headache is a sign of need for more rest
3) Never jump back into full athletic participation without clearance from an expert
4) Some strict rest is necessary. How much is to be determined. Err on the side of longer than shorter. A minimum of 2 days and then speak to an expert.
5) Provide the healing brain with power foods like salmon for omega 3s, vegetables and fruits for vitamins, minerals and glucose. Cruciferous vegetables are an excellent choice for healing.
Take this seriously,
Dr. M
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