Cognitive Rest May Be Crucial After Concussion

Reducing the Burden of Schoolwork
Dr. Logan recommends limiting computer time, reading, math, and note-taking during recovery, because each task tends to cause symptoms to worsen. “Having either the teacher’s notes supplied to them or having another student take notes for them may allow them to tolerate more class time than they would if they were trying to take notes,” said Dr. Logan. “Listen to lectures only.” At home, students should perform only activities that don’t exacerbate symptoms. This means limiting instant messaging, texting, watching TV, and playing video games.

A subset of concussed patients are overstimulated by light and sound, “so it’s important to ask about that and make adjustments in the school day,” said Dr. Logan. “This [approach] would involve reducing sound and light when you can and wearing sunglasses and earplugs.”

Dr. Logan recommends delaying tests that may fall in the time line of recovery, such as midterms, finals, or college-readiness tests such as the SAT. “A brain-injured person is not going to do well on any of these tests,” she said. “In notes to school personnel, write ‘no testing for now,’ or ‘postpone testing.’ ”

—Doug Brunk