Student Athlete Concussion Policies
 

Is anyone aware of any colleges or universities that have specific policies regarding return of students to ACADEMICS after a concussion? I know pretty much every school out there has policies on return to play guidelines, but I am talking specifically about the returning to classes/homework/studying.

I guess for me, I was very well educated to not return to physical activity after my concussion, but completely oblivious to the fact I needed to avoid cognitive work. I remember right after the hockey game when I got my concussion, I went right home to study (mind you I didn't get very far and nothing was processing, but I kept trying). Its been over 17 months now, and while I've seen progress, I still have a ways to go.

I still keep in touch with the varsity team at my university; I am sadly aware that this concussion ended my playing days, but its nice to still be around the game and my team-mates. There have been a few concussion cases so far this season, and I know these team-mates were in fairly difficult programs (engineering) etc. where they felt they could not afford to take time away from class. So while the school policy kept them from working out or hitting the ice, they were still spending 8 hr days in class.

I tried to educate them as much as possible; and tell them my biggest regret is not taking the cognitive rest. Who knows, if I had taken the cognitive rest this thing would have cleared up months ago for me (I hate to think that way and go down that road, but its hard not to some days). I guess I'd like to know if other schools out there make it easier for student-athletes to heal after a concussion (ie delayed deadlines, excused from assignment/classes until cleared, and potentially reimbursement if classes need to be dropped to allow time to heal).

From my understanding, there is some policies in place for some elementary schools/high schools (e.x. http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/p...ntario-schools), but I am not away of any in universities/colleges. In the article it mentions "return to learn" policies; which I think is a great term. Return to play guidelines are well established, but "return to learn" is not nearly as prominent. I am interested in getting something going at my school and increasing awareness, so if anyone knows of schools with programs already in place, examples I can learn what to do/what not to do, when going about this, that'd be great!

comeback,

Since most school concussion policies are based on ImPACT and similar baseline testing protocols, the return to learn is not at the forefront. If you can get a copy of Dr Robert Cantu's new book, "Concussions and Our Kids" you will see where Dr Cantu promotes return to learn restrictions. Your school's disabilities department may be a good place to start. In the US, the ADA requires reasonable accommodations be made for those disabled and limited in a major life activity. Study and the ability to learn is a major life activity.

The Zurich Statement of Consensus says "The panel strongly endorsed the view that children should not be returned to practice or play until clinically completely symptom free, which may require a longer time frame than for adults. In addition, the concept of ‘‘cognitive rest” was highlighted with spe-cial reference to a child’s need to limit exertion with activities of daily living and to limit scholastic and other cognitive stressors (e.g text messaging, video games) while symptomatic. School attendance and activities may also need to be modified to avoid provocation of symptoms."

This comments is on page 6 (760) of http://www.sportconcussions.com/html...0Statement.pdf

I can't imagine pursuing and engineering degree with PCS. I was taking physics classes along side mostly engineering students and pre-med students and the coursework requires a good size cognitive load.

I hope you can make some head way with your concept. Tuition credit should be a minimal standard. Tutoring when a slow return to cognitive effort is justified would be a great benefit.

My best to you.