Maximizing Recovery From Concussions for Youth Participating in Sports and Recreational Activities.

Concussions have become a public health issue. This public health concern has drawn the attention of many states in which laws were created to address concussions safety, recognition of signs and symptoms, immediate removal, medical clearance, and return to play protocols. The vast majority of state legislation focused on student athletes participating in organized sports. However the rise in concussion can be directly attributed to children, youth and adolescents participating in non-sports related events. Maximizing recovery from a concussion involves implementing education programs that focus on recognition of symptoms, treatment, and return to learn options. Treatment strategies employed to address concussed youth include physical and cognitive rest and minimizing external stimuli that can increase symptoms. Since learning is a direct outcome for all youth, a return to learn protocol based on a collaborative school-based team approach is suggested.