Pediatrics Group Updates Guidance on Sports-Related Concussion

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Jaye Elizabeth Hefner, MD

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its 2010 guidance on managing sports-related concussion.

While the prior guidelines emphasized physical and cognitive rest, the new recommendations note that light aerobic activity can help speed recovery. In particular, the AAP suggests that children start with 20-30 minutes of light activity (e.g., brisk walking) each day. If symptoms get worse during activity, the child should stop and try again the following day.

Additionally, most children should return to school with symptoms, ideally missing no more than one or two days. Adjustments to school workload and environmental symptom triggers can be beneficial.

The AAP also notes that it's not necessary to remove all electronic devices from the child, although their use may need to be limited to avoid symptom exacerbation.

Dr. Catherine Gordon will be reviewing the concussion guidelines for NEJM Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Be on the lookout for her coverage in the coming days.