Concussions: Take it slow at school

Kids are more likely to get a concussion playing sports, but these mild traumatic brain injuries also can affect kids in the classroom.

Children differ in how they recover from concussions. But experts agree that when it comes to school, parents and their children should proceed cautiously in the weeks following a concussion diagnosis.

"With concussions, it is important to take a step back and not resume activities too soon," says Dr. Mark Rothschild, a board-certified pediatrician with the NCH Medical Group. "A lot of people think this is all about sports, but some of it is cognitive too, like easing up on the amount of reading and the time in front of a computer."

Apart from taking a break from physical activities, such as gym class, children also should rest their brain and limit activities that require thinking skills. That could mean more rest breaks throughout the school day or a shortened schedule.

"It is better not to push kids who have concussions too hard," Dr. Rothschild says. "Schools do play a role. Teachers need to be made aware of the diagnosis and that students need to gradually get back to their routine."

While it is difficult to determine when a child should return from a concussion, parents should be on the lookout for several signs before giving the green light for school and sports activities, he says.

Children may still be feeling the effects of a concussion if:

• They are more tired than usual.

• They have trouble concentrating, thinking or making decisions.

• They have dizzy spells or headaches.

• They may have trouble learning new concepts or remembering what you've learned.

"The hardest part is deciding when they have recovered from the concussion," Dr. Rothschild says. "Every activity following a concussion should be done in slow motion."