Going Back to School after a Concussion

Children with concussions should rest their brains and return to schoolwork only gradually, a doctors’ group says. The new guidelines come from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The doctors admit there’s limited evidence about the best way to recover from concussions. So each child will be different. But they say it’s important for kids to have “cognitive rest” as they recover. This means restrictions on not just schoolwork but also video games, texting, TV and reading. Such brain activity may increase symptoms such as headaches or vision problems. If symptoms last more than a few weeks, the child may need to see a specialist. Kids can try returning to school when they can handle 30 to 45 minutes of school work or other stimulation without symptoms. The return may be part-time at first.