

In addition, these recommendations are not intended to distinguish between types of concussions (for example, a sport-related injury), which may further require adaptation for the unique variables of the injury. It is important to realize that each person responds differently to a brain injury, regardless of severity some may need more than 48 hours of cognitive and physical inactivity, and others may have higher or lower tolerance levels for screen light.

Additional screen-related accommodations should be considered and adopted as appropriate (described in more detail below).Screen and blue light exposure should be limited at night in the hours before bedtime so as to not interfere with sleep cycles.Patients can maintain or increase electronics use as long as it does not worsen symptoms.Gradual phasing in of screen time can follow, starting with 5-15 minutes at a time.A period of total rest should be observed immediately following the concussion, generally not longer than 48 hours.

1-3 *Please note these are not a substitute for medical advice, as you should always consult your physician to develop a specific concussion recovery plan. However, the exact prescription for how and when to use your devices contains important nuances of which patients need to be aware.Īs a result, we compiled guidance from leading authorities on concussion, such as the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics and leading headache specialists and neurologists, to bring forth the most comprehensive and up-to-date recommendations for screen time after a brain injury. Recommendations for screen use after a concussionĮxperts have clearly stated in recent years that there is no benefit to limiting-or more accurately, eliminating-screen time during the earliest stages of recovery after a concussion. However, the issue of screen exposure has become much more complicated recently as new research emerges. Screen time after a concussion has been a particular source of debate over the years, with longstanding recommendations suggesting that people completely avoid all use of electronics during the acute phase of recovery and as their symptoms fully resolve. As the medical community learns more about the short- and long-term impact of concussions on the human body, doctors and experts on brain injuries are able to provide more precise guidelines for concussed individuals looking to return to normal activities.
