Final answer:
A healthcare provider with expertise in concussion management, often a neurologist, should clear a patient for sports after a concussion to ensure they can safely return to play.
Step-by-step explanation:
To be cleared for sports after a concussion, the patient should be seen by a healthcare provider with expertise in concussion management. It is critical that someone with the necessary skills and knowledge assesses the patient, as concussions are the mildest and most common type of brain injury, typically resulting from impacts occurring in sports. A neurologist is an example of such a provider, who specializes in disorders of the nervous system and has the tools to diagnose issues correctly using methods like electroencephalography (EEG) and computerized tomography (CT) scans.
Given that repeated concussions can lead to lasting problems such as memory, learning, speech, or balance difficulties, professional evaluation ensures that the athlete can return to play safely without risking further damage. While pediatricians or general practitioners might be involved in the initial care, for a comprehensive evaluation, especially in cases with lingering symptoms, a neurologist or a sport medicine doctor trained in concussion management is preferred.