"Return to Learning" Concussion Guidelines Emerging

With return to physical activity and game play after a concussion injury fairly well established in practice, it's only now being recognized that there might need to be a separate "Return to Learning" concussion protocol.

At this time, clear guidelines do not exist. The American Academy of Pediatrics published a clinical report in October 2013 discussing the need for "return to learning" guidelines. Here's their abstract:

Following a concussion, it is common for children and adolescents to experience difficulties in the school setting. Cognitive difficulties, such as learning new tasks or remembering previously learned material, may pose challenges in the classroom. The school environment may also increase symptoms with exposure to bright lights and screens or noisy cafeterias and hallways. Unfortunately, because most children and adolescents look physically normal after a concussion, school officials often fail to recognize the need for academic or environmental adjustments. Appropriate guidance and recommendations from the pediatrician may ease the transition back to the school environment and facilitate the recovery of the child or adolescent. This report serves to provide a better understanding of possible factors that may contribute to difficulties in a school environment after a concussion and serves as a framework for the medical home, the educational home, and the family home to guide the student to a successful and safe return to learning.

Some caution has been advised.  Overall, although unclear and still confusing, this is a definite step forward.