If concussion symptoms persist, what is the recommended next step?

• A. Continue playing with minor symptoms.
• B. Ignore mild symptoms and continue competition.
• C. Self-diagnose and escalate training.
• D. Avoid return-to-play until cleared by medical professionals.

Answer: (D)

When concussion symptoms persist, the brain hasn’t fully recovered, so safety requires medical clearance before returning to play. The best step is to stop playing and be evaluated by a medical professional who can assess the injury, rule out complications, and authorize a structured return-to-play plan. This plan typically starts with rest until symptoms are gone, then a gradual, supervised progression through increasing activity, stopping at any sign of renewed symptoms. The aim is to prevent further injury, reduce the risk of longer recovery, and protect brain health.