The smaller the lesion, the better recovery is expected in this way, said Dr. Bradford Thompson, director of the Division of Neurocritical Care at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.

CNN: The brain's amazing potential for recovery

These guidelines have been endorsed by the following organizations: the NFL players association, (NFLPA) National Association of Athletic Trainers, (NATA) the American Football Coaches Association, the Neurocritical Care Society, the Child Neurology Society, the National Association of Emergency Medical Service Physicians, the National Association of School Psychologists, as well as the Child Neurology Society.

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