What is the connection between screens and concussion?

“Stay away from screens.”
That’s advice many people with a concussion still hear. And yes — screen time can trigger symptoms. But complete avoidance isn’t necessary — or even helpful.

Here’s what the experts currently believe about how to listen to your brain, and how to bring screens back in safely.

Why do screens trigger symptoms?

When your brain is healing, it has less energy to process input. Screens challenge that system with:

• Bright light
• Rapid motion
• Visual scanning and reading
• Multitasking
• Notifications

This can drain your brain fast — and cause headaches, nausea, brain fog, or dizziness.

Common screen-related symptoms

• Head pressure or headache
• Eye strain or blurred vision
• Trouble focusing
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Irritability or fatigue

If you notice these symptoms during or after screen use, your brain is telling you to take a break.

Should you avoid screens completely?

In the past, people were told to avoid screens for several days.
But no studies currently show that screens are harmful after a concussion.
In fact, gradually reintroducing screen exposure is an important part of recovery.

Here’s why avoiding screens completely might not help:

• Isolation can increase anxiety or loneliness
• Light screen use or audio-only content (like podcasts) can feel calming
• Rebuilding screen tolerance supports your return to normal

Tips for safer screen use during recovery

Start with low-demand content:

• Use text-to-speech features to have text read aloud
• Listen to podcasts or audiobooks
• Calm videos (slow editing, low brightness)
• Use dark mode or night mode

Use screens in short sessions:

• Try 5–10 minutes, then pause
• Increase only if symptoms stay stable

Avoid multitasking:

• Don’t switch between apps or tabs
• Focus on one thing at a time

Try larger screens:

• Tablets and laptops are sometimes easier than phones

Watch for early warning signs:

• Don’t push through if symptoms flare
• Rest if you feel foggy, dizzy, or tense

Plan breaks without screens:

• Avoid screens during rest breaks
• Instead, close your eyes, take deep breaths, or listen to calming audio

When Can I Start Using Screens Again?

You can often begin light screen use within the first days.
There’s no evidence that screen exposure is harmful — even in the early stages.
What matters is gradual exposure and paying attention to your symptoms.

Start with:

• Passive screen use (YouTube, TV, video calls)
• Move on to reading or typing when ready
• Keep sessions short and symptoms in check

A small flare-up is okay, as long as it settles within minutes and doesn’t leave lasting fatigue.

How Heads can help

The Heads app is designed to support your return to daily life.

With Heads, you can:

• Track your symptoms and monitor patterns
• Follow a personalized plan with structure and breaks
• Listen to audio instead of reading

Whether you’re on day 3 or week 5, Heads helps you stay on track at your own pace.

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Final thought

Screens don’t have to hold you back after a concussion.
With pacing, structure, and support, you can reintroduce screen time — and move forward safely.

Heads is here to guide the way.

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References

• Thomas et al. (2015)
  Benefits of strict rest after acute concussion: a randomized controlled trial.
  Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 25(3), 241–247
  https://doi.org/10.1097/JSM.0000000000000137
  → Demonstrates that strict rest may not improve outcomes — and that light activity (including screen use) can be safe.
• Lumba-Brown et al. (2018)
  CDC Guideline on the Diagnosis and Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Among Children.
  JAMA Pediatrics, 172(11), e182853
  https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2698456
  → Recommends gradual return to cognitive activities such as screen use.
• Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (2018)
  Guidelines for Diagnosing and Managing Pediatric Concussion
  https://pedsconcussion.com
  → Emphasizes that screen use does not need to be avoided completely and should be tailored to the individual.
• CDC Heads Up Initiative
  Concussion recovery and screen use
  https://www.cdc.gov/headsup
  → Offers guidance on screen time and pacing during concussion recovery.

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