When is it ok for 16 yr old to return to sports after Grade 1 concussion

[dancer0405]

Son 16 years old  plays lacrosse and suffered what the trainer called a Grade 1concussion.  His memory was ok but did not recall hit and appeared dazed after hit .  I took him to a neurolgist and was told that he would not be able to return to contact sports for 2 months. The doctor performed an examination and I was told my son was fine from the concussion.  My son did not have a CATscan or MRI.    Is 2 months considered excessive?  My son did have a mild concussion this past fall as well.

[caregiver222]

As you know, a "Grade 1" concussion is the mildest category. That being said,m there is no such thing as a "harmless concussion", and in the final analysis Lacross is a meaningless activity. Missing a season is not worth a lifetime of problems.  I am somewhat concerned he did not have an MRI, and insofar as school authorities are mandated to pick-up-the-bill, this non-invasive test should have been provided. I agree with doctornee that prudence would suggest 2-3 months is not an unreasonable period to wait. For what it's worth as a child I suffered a severe concussion with loss of consciousness and a fractured skull and recovered completely with no loss of mental function.

[dancer0405]

Thank you for your response. The only reason why I asked is that I have heard from other parents that their doctor allowed their child to return after a few weeks.  I am finding out the guidelines for sport related concussions are stricter in recent times and I agree 100% .  Thanks again.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
How soon your son can return to contact sports can also be decided by a sports medicine specialist or a neurologist. Generally a gap of 2-3 months is given so that the brain heals completely from the traumatic injury which can also be mild.
If he has no neurological symptoms, then the doctor may wait for his memory of episode to return. A neuro-psychological examination will be done before he can resume active sports. Take care!