Beyond the Bump: How Concussion Protocols Keep You Safe
Have you ever heard of someone being placed in “concussion protocol” and wondered what it meant? Here’s why this step-by-step approach to recovering from a concussion is usually necessary to keep individuals safe.
A concussion is a type of brain injury that can happen when the head gets hit or shaken. While many people recover fully, concussions can still be serious. This is where concussion protocol comes in. It’s a step-by-step plan to help someone heal properly and avoid making the injury worse.
“Being in concussion protocol means doctors or other healthcare providers are closely monitoring your symptoms and recovery.” Explains PIH Health Neurologist Adrian Burgos MD. Right after the injury, they’ll ask a lot of questions about how you’re feeling. Your providers might want to know:
- If you notice changes in your vision or memory
They’ll also check how your body is responding by testing your balance, reflexes and coordination. All of this helps them figure out how bad the concussion is and what kind of care you need.
One of the most important parts of concussion protocol is rest. Right after a concussion, your brain needs time to recover. This doesn’t just mean taking it easy physically—it also means giving your brain a break from thinking too hard.
Being in concussion protocol might mean avoiding things such as:
“Rest is key because pushing yourself too soon can make symptoms worse and slow down your recovery,” shares Dr. Burgos.
Over time, healthcare providers will slowly guide you back to your normal activities. This usually happens in stages. For example, you might start with light activities like gentle stretches or easy reading. If you feel okay, you can move on to more challenging tasks, like doing simple exercises or completing schoolwork. Each step is designed to make sure your brain is ready before taking on more. If symptoms come back, you’ll take a step back and rest some more.
It’s also important to avoid anything that could lead to another head injury while you’re recovering. That’s why athletes in sports often follow strict rules before they’re allowed to play again. Returning to a sport too soon after a concussion can be dangerous, so the protocol makes sure they’re fully healed first.
“Concussion symptoms can be different for everyone, so there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline to recovery,” says Dr. Burgos. “Some people feel better in a few days, while others may take weeks or even months.” That’s why concussion protocol is flexible. Doctors keep an eye on how you’re feeling and adjust the plan as needed. They’ll also watch for signs of more serious problems.
Some serious signs to look out for when recovering from a concussion include:
If these happen, it might mean more testing or treatment is needed. If you see any of these signs in someone recovering from a concussion, call your doctor or 9-1-1 right away.
If you’re wondering what you can do to help someone in concussion protocol, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Being in concussion protocol is about keeping the brain safe and giving it time to heal. With the right care and a bit of patience, most people recover well and can get back to their usual routines. To find a doctor, go to PIHHealth.org/Doctors.
Adrian Michael Burgos MD
Adrian Burgos MD, chose his specialty of neurology because he has always been intrigued by the complex, yet delicate, structure of the nervous system. “The human brain determines how we experience the world around us,” he explains. “The study of the human brain remains a vast and uncharted territory with countless opportunities to expand our understanding. With advanced technology, we now have tools to explore the brain, which will hopefully lead to new and improved treatments.” Dr. Burgos was chief resident at USC’s Department of Neurology and later served as a board member for the Out SMART Stroke Foundation. He earned several scholarships and grants in his medical studies for community service and academic merit. Dr. Burgos enjoys travel and has visited several countries. Growing up, he enjoyed playing soccer and still loves to follow professional soccer, football and basketball. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, listening to music, dancing and trying new restaurants.
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