When should student athletes return to driving after concussions?

What is the goal of the study on concussions and driving?

Because there is little research or concrete data on the topic, we don't currently have an established timeline or standard for concussed student athletes returning to driving.

We are hoping to create a test that could be given to student athletes to help determine whether it’s likely they would be able to safely return to driving.

This will provide doctors who treat these athletes, specifically sports medicine experts, with a reliable tool based on research.

Current medical advice for young drivers after concussion

Generally, student athletes with concussion are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Making it difficult is the very nature of concussions, with one athlete feeling better in a few days, and another taking several weeks to start feeling normal.

Medical teams will tend to err on the side of caution. We use conservative recommendations for when to return to driving and how long and how far to drive when that return happens.

Why are young people of special concern for driving after concussions?

The adolescent brain continues to develop until about age 24 or 25, so concussions may take longer to resolve. Furthermore, teens and young adults may be just learning to drive or might not have a lot of driving experience. 

What are some specific driving skills the concussion study evaluates?

Eye tracking

One of the main things that we assess is how the eyes track objects, such as looking from left to right or up and down. We want to determine the ability to follow an object quicky and smoothly as it goes across the line of vision.

Reaction time

Reaction time takes into account the time it takes to move the foot from the gas to the brake or the time it takes to maneuver around a hazard or barrier.

Cognitive ability

We measure cognitive ability by giving participants math problems to solve while they’re driving. This helps us determine if placing a heavier load on the brain impacts reaction times or patterns of driving.

Symptoms to watch for when driving after a concussion

If they have had a concussion, student athletes should have the following before they start driving again.

• Clear thinking ability
• No severe headache
• Reduced sensitivity to light
• No extreme dizziness
• No extreme nausea, especially when turning/moving head

Tips for getting back to driving after a concussion

• Drive only during the day
• Drive short distances to familiar locations
• Drive with someone you know
• Drive a familiar car

New recommendation for concussion recovery

In recent years, research has shown that an early return to light aerobic exercise helps improve concussion symptoms and allows athletes to resume activities more quickly. In fact, at Ohio State, we put athletes on treadmills early in concussion recovery programs and provide a specific “exercise prescription,” which allows athletes to return to sport faster.

How can I find out more about the study on concussions and driving?

You may be eligible to participate in the study if you’re 16-24 years old, have had a physician-diagnosed concussion within the past week and have a valid driver’s license. Call 614-355-5852, email R2DrvStudy@nationwidechildrens.org or Ginger.Yang@nationwidechildrens.org, or fill out the eligibility questionnaire.

The study also seeks athletes ages 16-24 who have had no concussions in the past year and have a driver’s license or temporary driver’s permit. Call (614) 722-8388, email Ginger.Yang@nationwidechildrens.org or fill out the eligibility questionnaire.