According to data, 1.7 million to 3 million young people suffer concussions each year while playing sports.

Previously, the treatment for concussions in young people was rest. However, researchers at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. suggest that rest may no longer be the best treatment for young people with concussions. Pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Chris Vaughan said that there was a time when a diagnosis involved a couple of fingers and if the patient could stand, they could return to play.

Researchers found that children who missed less school after a concussion had fewer lingering symptoms, indicating that returning to school and daily life may be therapeutic for the brain. The study suggests that parents with children who suffer concussions should push socialization, reduce school-related stress, maintain a normal sleep/wake schedule, and encourage light-to-moderate physical activity. The findings reinforce the idea that there are things that can be done to help treat concussions in children and that it is not a wait-and-see type of injury.