- The old approach of treating concussions with strict rest in a dark room is no longer recommended.
- For children with mild concussion symptoms (like headache persisting after a head bump), the best treatment is a gradual return to normal activities.
- This includes exercise, school attendance, and daily routines, rather than prolonged isolation.
- Parents should monitor symptoms, and if there are concerns, consult a pediatrician, neurologist, or neurosurgeon.
- The modern recommendation emphasizes active recovery rather than strict rest for better outcomes.
How to Manage a Concussion
The best medicine for concussions used to be sitting in a cold, dark room, and that's no longer what we know is best for kids who have hit their heads.
Matthew Vestal, MD, MBA, MHS, Neurosurgery
