Student-athletes who suffer concussions from sport are usually required to take a break from the playing field and, but new research suggests these players may also need a break from the classroom.
According to new research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition on Monday, researchers recommend a collaborative team approach consisting of a pediatrician, family members and school representatives responsible for a student's academic schedule and physical activity.
A concussion expert at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis cautions that children with concussions may not be ready to go back to the classroom right away, either.
"Students appear physically normal after a concussion, so it may be difficult for teachers and administrators to understand the extent of the child's injuries and recognize the potential need for academic adjustments," lead author Dr. Mark Halstead said in a statement.
"But we know that children who've had a concussion may have trouble learning new material and remembering what they've learned, and returning to academics may worsen concussion symptoms."
The report represents the Academy's official position and is designed to provide guidance for clinicians who treat young patients who have suffered concussions.
"We focus so much on getting these kids back onto the field that we don't always think about the challenges associated with getting back into the classroom," said Mark E. Halstead, MD, a Washington University sports medicine specialist at St. Louis Children's Hospital. "In addition to physical rest, children recovering from a concussion also need cognitive rest. They can struggle in school and often have difficulty focusing and concentrating for several days or weeks."
Halstead, an assistant professor of pediatrics and orthopedics, is the lead author of the report "Returning to Learning Following a Concussion," presented Oct. 27 at the conference and published online in the journal Pediatrics.
