What is the primary goal when treating an athlete with a concussion?

The primary goal when treating an athlete with a concussion is to monitor their symptoms and prevent further injury. This approach is essential because concussions can lead to serious complications if the athlete experiences another head injury before fully recovering. Monitoring helps to ensure that any worsening symptoms are addressed promptly, and it aids in tracking the athlete’s recovery progress.

Preventing further injury is crucial, as engaging in physical activity or exposure to environments that could lead to additional impact can exacerbate the concussion and lead to more severe health outcomes. Therefore, the focus is on managing symptoms—such as headache, dizziness, and confusion—while ensuring the athlete is in a safe environment where they can recover properly.

Other options, while they may be relevant in certain contexts, do not directly address the immediate and critical needs of someone recovering from a concussion. For instance, administering pain relief medications might provide temporary relief but does not focus on monitoring concussion symptoms or preventing the risk of further injury. Encouraging immediate physical activity contradicts the goal of providing rest and recovery, and while performing a full neurological examination can be important, ongoing monitoring and safeguarding the athlete's health take precedence during the initial treatment phase.