Concussion Return to Learn
Leave a CommentConcussions are very common in sports, with an estimated 14.3% of high school athletes reporting to have sustained at least one concussion in the last year. Concussions are the result of an injury to the brain in which the brain moves and rotates inside the skull from a blow to the head. One study showed that among both groups, rates of concussions were highest in the sports of football and soccer. In high school sports played by both sexes, girls sustained a higher rate of concussions, and concussions represented a greater proportion of total injuries than boys. Often, after a concussion is sustained, an athlete is held out of sports until they are symptom-free to avoid further injury. What happens when that athlete is a student who needs to go to class, though?
Just like an athlete returning to the field or the court, a student returning to the classroom can be a long and difficult journey. It is common for people who have sustained a concussion to have difficulty:
- Concentrating
- Looking at screens for extended periods of time
- Dealing with fluorescent lighting
- Processing information being taught
These students may become easily frustrated or even nauseous due to these symptoms.
A period of rest for 24-48 hours is recommended post-concussion to help allow the brain to start the healing process. This does not mean sleeping for 24-48 hours but more to take it easy at home. A gradual return to school activity is recommended. This often will involve a student going in for portions of the day rather than a full day and slowly starting to build up their tolerance to a full day of classes. An article from Nationwide Children indicated that over 90% of students could return to school without any additional support by ten days after their concussion.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides a handout that can also assist in getting kids back to class. The handout includes some accommodations they could benefit from if they are having symptoms.
Concussions are a common issue among student-athletes. A program to help them not only return to the field but also to return to the classroom may be critical for them to not feel like they are falling behind as they make their recovery. School staff and students’ doctors will provide support and recommend the timeline for a return to learn process. It is helpful to ask your student’s school for their return to learn policy after sustaining a concussion
Athletico offers free assessments, which can be used to screen athletes and determine whether physical therapy or further assessment from a neurological physician is warranted.
*Per federal guidelines, beneficiaries of plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VHA and other federally funded plans are not eligible for free assessments.
The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.
Sources:
Gessel LM, Fields SK, Collins CL, Dick RW, Comstock RD. Concussions among United States high school and collegiate athletes. J Athl Train. 2007 Oct-Dec;42(4):495-503. PMID: 18174937; PMCID: PMC2140075.
“Returning to Learn after Concussion: A Guide for School Professionals.” Nationwide Children’s Hospital, www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/concussion-center/concussion-toolkit/return-to-learn. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024. “Heads Up.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
