Avoid screen time after a concussion

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that engaging in screen time within the first 48 hours after concussion may prolong recovery time. The study was conducted by researchers at UCSF. They looked at data from 125 patients aged 12 to 25 who had recently been diagnosed with a concussion. The participants were divided into two groups: one group was allowed to use screens, and the other group was asked to abstain from screen time.

The study found that the group permitted to use screens had a significantly longer median recovery time of 8.0 days compared to 3.5 days in the group that abstained from screens. Additionally, individuals who used screens reported experiencing more symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. The screen time permitted group reported a median screen time of 630 minutes during the intervention period, while the screen time abstinent group reported 130 minutes.

The study’s authors concluded that avoiding screen time in the first 48 hours after concussion may help to shorten the duration of symptoms. However, this was a relatively small study and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

In a recent post, I mentioned a large Canadian study that showed that early return to school after a concussion was associated with better outcomes. These two reports are not contradictory. Most pediatric guidelines recommend 24 to 48 hours of physical and cognitive rest, followed by a gradual return to school with support and accommodations. Prolonged periods of complete physical and cognitive rest lasting one to two weeks can be detrimental.