Parents whose child has suffered a sports concussion often receive conflicting information about symptoms, recovery, and when to return to regular activities. The fact that no two concussions are the same can make the situation even more confusing and frustrating. Some children will be ready to go back to school in a week, while others will continue to struggle with fatigue, memory issues, and learning challenges for months.
Healing from a Sports Concussion at Home Before Returning to School
The actions people take in the first several days – and especially the first 24 hours – after a brain injury can have a dramatic impact on the quality and speed of healing. Parents should ensure that their concussed child rests and does not engage in any activities that put unnecessary stress on the brain or body. Examples of activities and situations to avoid include:
- Bright lights
- Challenging cognitive tasks that require deep concentration
- Long visits from family or friends
- Looking at anything on a screen for more than a few minutes, including TV, computers, smartphones, and video games
- Loud noises
Parents need to observe their children’s care in the first several days after a sports concussion to ensure that they do not overdo it. Children are likely to protest these restrictions because they do not understand the seriousness of a brain injury. Even so, parents must remain firm and provide constant supervision. If parents notice any new symptoms, such as slurred speech or seizures, they should contact their child’s pediatrician right away or go to the hospital for emergency services.
How Can Parents Determine When to Send Their Child Back to School?
Most children need at least three days at home to rest without overstimulation before they are ready to go back to school. Parents should get official approval from their child’s pediatrician before considering a return to class. Concussed children do not have to be entirely free of symptoms, but their medical provider should know the plan regarding school attendance and participation in outside activities.
A common practice among pediatricians is to recommend that children with a brain injury return to school in phases. One way to ease the transition back to academics is to have the child attend classes part-time and complete schoolwork from home the rest of the time. Parents can feel confident that their child is ready to go back to school full-time once they have had a few symptom-free days in a row.
Some Children Need Support Services When Returning to School After a Sports Concussion
Children with lingering symptoms after a traumatic brain injury may be eligible for special services at school. However, the services available vary considerably based on the school’s location within the UK. Parents should check with their child’s teacher and school administrators if they think extra assistance will be necessary. For example, the child recovering from a brain injury may need extra time to complete a test or receive permission to wear sunglasses to block out troublesome bright lights.
Parents should also enquire whether school staff will create and abide by an academic recovery program. The information contained in the report is primarily for the benefit of teachers. It should contain details about the child’s concussion symptoms and how to determine signs of sensory or cognitive overload that could indicate the student needs a break.
Returning to Sports Should Wait
Adjusting to school is challenging for a child who has suffered a concussion. Parents, teachers, and coaches should make sure that the student is doing well in classes before even considering a return to the playing field. This is especially important considering the inherent risk of head injuries that comes with many sports.
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