Study shows students recovering from concussions benefit from early return to school

MADISON, Wis. -- Allowing a student recovering from a concussion to return to school within two weeks postinjury can help with their recovery, a new study suggests.

The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at whether allowing a student to return to class early would be beneficial. It challenges a long-held belief that isolating children after a concussion was best for their recovery.

"Historically, the thought was that we really want to cocoon kids," Dr. Brian Reeder, a sports medicine physician at SSM Health said.

In reality, the opposite may be true. The study found that an early return to class was linked to lower symptoms two weeks after the injury for children ages 8 to 18. On top of that, prolonged absence from school can increase stress in children, worsening concussion symptoms.

"Being isolated is not good as far as mental health," Reeder said. "Depression and anxiety rates go up when isolated, so isolation doesn’t necessarily help recovery."

Even if a student is experiencing some minor symptoms, Reeder said it's better for students to return to class as soon as they can.

"Our brains are good with schedules, we like to have that routine," Reeder said. "Getting up, going to school, being on schedule helps with retraining the brain."

Concussion symptoms can take many forms including nausea, dizziness, poor sleep and disrupted thinking. Reeder said schools can help recovering students by providing accommodations.

That includes quiet spaces so students can eat lunch away from the crowded and noisy cafeteria, or pre-written notes so that the student can better focus on the lecture.

"Using your brain isn’t dangerous," Reeder said. "It’s about trying to treat those symptoms as they come along."

Recovery can begin at home as well. Reeder suggested that students spend about 10 minutes reading or doing a word puzzle. If symptoms escalate, then it's ok to back down and take a short break.