Return to athletic competition following concussion.

To establish guidelines for the examination of patients and the resumption of athletic activity after concussion, the injury is characterized as mild, moderate or severe (unconscious only transiently, for less than 5 minutes or for more than 5 minutes). The basic recommendation is that return to training and competition should be deferred until all associated symptoms such as headaches have completely resolved. The decision to return must take into account the nature of the sport, the athlete's level of participation and the cumulative effect of previous concussions. Some athletes will have to avoid any further participation in their sport.