I-
I would tell the patient that sport can be very good for them. It can improve fitness, mood, confidence, resilience and social support, especially in team sports. But contact sports do carry real risks, particularly concussion and repeated head impacts. So my advice would be: play, but play carefully. Use proper technique, follow the rules, wear the right equipment, and take symptoms seriously. If you get hit in the head and feel dizzy, sick, confused, sensitive to light, unusually emotional, or “not right,” stop playing immediately and get evaluated. Do not try to “push through it.” A safe return to sport matters more than seeming tough for one practice or one match. I’d also advise limiting unnecessary contact in training and making sure coaches take brain health seriously.
II-
I would ask the patient several questions before clearing them. Have you ever had a concussion or head injury before? Have you ever felt dizzy, confused, had headaches, or black spots after a hit? Have you noticed changes in mood, sleep, concentration or memory during a season? Do you feel pressure from coaches, teammates or family to keep playing when injured? What sport do you play, and how much full-contact practice do you do? Finally, do you feel emotionally safe and supported on your team as well as physically safe?