Two weeks after a concussion, a 10-year-old still has some sleepiness. What is the recommended return-to-play approach?

Two weeks after a concussion, a 10-year-old still has some sleepiness. What is the recommended return-to-play approach?

• A. Returning to play
• B. Continuation of physical and cognitive rest
• C. Continuation of cognitive rest only
• D. Continuation of physical rest only

Answer: (B)

Persistent symptoms after concussion show that the brain is still recovering. When a child has sleepiness two weeks after injury, the safest plan before returning to sports is to continue both physical and cognitive rest. This gives the brain time to heal while avoiding activities that could worsen symptoms. Once symptoms improve, a gradual, supervised return-to-play plan should be started, starting with light activity and advancing carefully while monitoring for any recurrence. Returning to play while symptoms like sleepiness are still present increases the risk of prolonged recovery, so keeping both rest forms in place is the best course.

Persistent symptoms after concussion show that the brain is still recovering. When a child has sleepiness two weeks after injury, the safest plan before returning to sports is to continue both physical and cognitive rest. This gives the brain time to heal while avoiding activities that could worsen symptoms. Once symptoms improve, a gradual, supervised return-to-play plan should be started, starting with light activity and advancing carefully while monitoring for any recurrence. Returning to play while symptoms like sleepiness are still present increases the risk of prolonged recovery, so keeping both rest forms in place is the best course.