Diagnosis and Management of Concussion

Concussion occurs when a traumatic force of impact to the body or to the head results in a neurologic syndrome characterized by the acute onset of physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep disruption that typically resolves over 2 weeks. Concussion diagnosis is based on a careful history and physical examination by an experienced provider and can be supplemented by objective tools that measure cognition, ocular tracking, and/or neurophysiology. Concussion management focuses on relative rest and gradual return to cognitive exertion. Evidence also supports early return to physical exercise, monitoring for symptom exacerbation.