Promote Concussion Recovery by Following a Plan!
Academic Considerations
1. HOME—Total Rest
No mental exertion. No Computer, Texting, Video Games or Homework. Stay at home. No driving.
2. HOME—Light Mental Activity
Up to 30 minutes mental exertion. No prolonged concentration. Stay at home. No driving.
When parent(s) indicate student is ready to return to school, school to send letter to parent(s)
Progress to the next level when able to handle up to 30 minutes mental exertion without worsening of symptoms
3. SCHOOL—Part time Maximum Accommodations Shortened Days/Schedule Built-in Breaks
Provide quiet place for scheduled mental rest. No significant classroom or standardized testing. Modify rather than postpone academics. Provide extra time, extra help, modified assignments.
At this stage include the athletic staff in planning
Progress to the next level when able to handle 30-40 minutes mental exertion without worsening of symptoms.
4. SCHOOL—Part Time Moderate Accommodations
No standardized testing. Modified classroom testing. Moderate decrease of extra time, help, and modification of assignments.
Progress to the next level when able to handle 60 minutes mental exertion without worsening of symptoms.
At this point student may be considered for Return to Play Protocol with the appropriate healthcare professional approval
These are only suggestions; your doctor and school should be consulted when considering a return-to-learn protocol as protocols may differ according to doctors and school systems
Information provided by Brain Injury Association of Vermont
Heading off to college is a daunting undertaking, especially if you have post-concussion syndrome. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make the experience a little easier. There are both academic and residential situations to consider.
Most importantly, make an appointment with the disability office of your chosen school just as soon as you decide where you'll be going, and have your doctor's recommendations as well as any accomodations/plans you had in place in high school ready.
Residential Considerations
• Try to live in a dorm as close to your classes as possible
• A dorm room on the 2nd floor is ideal - 1st floor is too noisy, and upper floors are difficult when carrying a heavy backpack on a bad day
• If there is a dorm that has both laundry and a kitchen on the same floor as the dorm rooms, that is also preferable in order to avoid walking up and down flights of stairs unnecessarily
• A room without bunkbeds
• A single or a double, but no triples, to avoid too much commotion and stimulation
• A room with only 1 window if you are light-sensitive
• A building with air conditioning, to avoid excessive heat leading to an uptick of symptoms
Important Disclaimer: Concussion Mom is an internet tool used to aid in the education and awareness of concussions, and to provide general information about concussions and concussion education and management. Concussion Mom is not medically based and does not provide medical advice. Concussion Mom should not be used in the diagnosis or management of concussion. Always seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a concussion. Concussion Mom does not discourage participation in sports, but does encourage safety in sports participation.
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