Having a Doctor as a girlfriend has many benefits. Not only is she a dab hand at stitching up faces and draining cauliflowered ears, she also comes across tonnes of interesting information relating to the sport of mma.

Here is a really practical piece on the management of head injury.

Gradual Return to Sport after a Head Injury

• You have sustained a concussion/minor head injury.
• Prior to full return to sport it is important that you follow the stepwise system to allow you to return safely.
• It is vital that your symptoms (listed below) have completely cleared at each level for a minimum of 24 hours before you progress to the next level.
• You should not return to any full sporting activity in less than one week.
• Where any unconsciousness or significant loss of memory has occurred there should be no full contact activity (Level 5) within 4 weeks. In these circumstances a medical review by your GP should be undertaken before any full contact activity.

Step-Wise Return to Sport Hierarchy

Level 1

No physical activity/ complete rest

Level 2

Low levels of physical activity i.e. symptoms do not come back during or after the activity

E.g. walking, light jogging, light weightlifting, light stationary bike.

Level 3

Sports specific training or   of physical activity with head and body movement

E.g. moderate jogging, moderate weightlifting, technique practice.

Level 4

Heavy non contact physical activity/ training drills

E.g. Sprinting, High intensity stationary bike,  non contact sports specific drills.

Level 5

Full contact controlled training/practice.

Level 6

Return to competition/ full training.

Possible Symptoms

Headache, dizziness, memory problems, poor concentration, irritability, tiredness, sleep disruption.

If symptoms develop at any exercise level then return to Level One (i.e. 24hours rest).