SmartTeams™ Talk: Don’t Overprescribe Cognitive Rest After Concussion, Says Pieroth

Emerging science and expert consensus are challenging the notion that an extended period of complete cognitive and physical rest after concussion is necessary for recovery, says neuropsychologist Elizabeth M. Pieroth, Psy.D, Associate Director of the Sports Concussion Program of NorthShore Medical Group and consultant to the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, White Sox, and Fire  Too much time away from school, says Pieroth, may lead to problems for the student-athlete, including anxiety, social isolation, feelings of depression, difficulty sleeping, and an unhealthy focus on symptoms instead of recovery. As a result, more experts now believe that concussed athletes need no more than 1-2 days rest at home, after which they should return to school with modifications to the school day as needed.