Concussion Management in Collegiate Student-Athletes

Abstract

Concussions in collegiate athletics can affect student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom. As policies are made to outline return-to-play decisions and timelines, this article will make the case that return-to-academics should also be included and follow a step-wise protocol. Complete cognitive rest is a cornerstone of concussion recovery and slow reintroduction to academics should precede return-to-play. The college structure allows for student-athletes to begin small doses of cognitive activity after the recommended complete cognitive rest. It is recommended that return-to-academics involves a team approach to help the student-athlete navigate the responsibilities of course work while healing from a brain injury.

The Value of Speech-Language Pathologists in Concussion Management

“…These clinicians will also often work continually in conjunction with the medical team on campus (AT; MD/DO; school nurse) and may also extend to academic counselors, the office of disability services representatives, and possibly teachers/faculty when discussing return-tolearn (►Table 1). 8 Overall this multidisciplinary team is a concussion management team and their collaboration, communication, and ability to serve as a resource to the studentathlete and their support system is valuable to recovery and reentry into the classroom at a minimum and hopefully back to full activity and the field of play.…”

“…1,8 If symptoms are exacerbated with increasing load, then student-athletes are removed from that situation and told to try again later or for a shorter time. The recommendation is that once student-athletes return-to-learn, in a collegiate setting, the AT will then begin a return-to-play process which is adding in progressing physical activity and monitoring symptoms (►Fig.…”

“…Providing student-athletes and their management team a resource to help with evidencebased strategies in the academic setting could be a great asset. 8 Giving student-athletes things "to do" in the academic setting to help when progress seems challenging could be beneficial to their ultimate return and their mental well-being.…”

Returning to the Classroom Following Sport-Related Concussion: Perspectives of College Student Athletes

“…Returning to the classroom can cause excessive strain on the processes of the brain that should be monitored and utilizing cognitive rest and classroom accommodations should be used to decrease the likelihood of symptoms worsening. Cognitive rest is usually recommended for the first 24-48 hours after injury when symptoms are most severe, but further research is needed to determine the duration and type of cognitive rest that is warranted after concussion to maximize recovery (Giza et al, 2013;Hall et al, 2015;Harmon et al, 2013;McCrory et al, 2013b). Avoiding activities that increase symptoms and getting plenty of sleep helps brain cells to heal (McAvoy, 2012).…”

“…Avoiding activities that increase symptoms and getting plenty of sleep helps brain cells to heal (McAvoy, 2012). Those activities (e.g., computer, phone, tablet, video games, television, reading, schoolwork) that require attention, memory, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility initially should be restricted and reintroduced slowly as symptoms and tolerance improves (Hall et al, 2015;Master, Gioia, Leddy, & Grady, 2012;Scorza, Raleigh, & O'Connor, 2012).…”