Returning to school after concussion: A Winning team approach
A student’s concussion management team ideally has several people that assist in building a successful recovery.
Teams and their roles:
The Family Team.
Monitor symptoms.
Encourage a good environment for concussion recovery as outlined by the medical team.
The Medical Team.
Diagnose the concussion and rule out other more severe injury.
Educate the student and family about what to expect during recovery, and how to build an encouraging environment for recovery.
Encourage early return to light activity following the first 24 – 48 hours of rest after the concussion.
Provide a rehabilitation program of exercises according to the individual’s symptom profile, sensitivities, performance on testing, and tolerance.
Provide suggestions of environmental adjustments and scheduled breaks to encourage a successful early return to school following the first 24 – 48 hours of rest after the concussion.
The School Team.
Ideally 2 point people:
1) Academic and emotional supervisor.
2) Physical symptom supervisor.
Review symptoms and adjust the student schedule and requirements accordingly.
Assist in building a good environment for a successful recovery. Examples:
Scheduled rest breaks
Early dismissal from classes
Minimizing the chances of another concussion before this one is healed
Adjusting environmental factors like lighting
Avoiding homework and testing in the beginning
Gradually increase academic requirements as tolerated.