Concussion Information

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way the brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a "ding," "getting your bell rung," or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious (CDC.gov). Concussions are invisible injuries that can affect a person's mental stamina, causing the brain to work longer and harder to complete simple tasks. Mental and physical rest are essential to recovery from a concussion. Concussions affect every person differently, and the accommodations that are appropriate for one student with a concussion may be different from those that are appropriate for another student with a concussion. 

What to Expect

When a student has a concussion or is recovering from a concussion, it can affect a student physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Students who have experienced a concussion may have:

• Frequent or severe headaches 
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Blurry or double vision
• Sensitivity to noise or light 
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Physical symptoms can affect classroom learning and schoolwork by interfering with the student's ability to focus and concentrate. 

Cognitively, students may:

• Have trouble remembering how they were injured or have other memory problems
• Become easily confused 
• Have difficulty paying attention 
• Feel "foggy" or have a slowness in thinking 
• Slow reaction time 
• Affects short-term memory and working memory 
• Slow cognitive processing speed 
• Experience more difficulty at school than normal 

Cognitive symptoms may affect a student's ability to learn, memorize, and process information, and to keep track of assignments and tests. 

Accommodations Available to Students with Concussions

Students who have had a concussion may recover quickly, or their symptoms may take longer to heal. In order to promote student learning, accommodations may be provided to students who have had a concussion. Accommodations are removed when the student no longer experiences symptoms. These accommodations include:

• Absence from school.
• Students with concussions frequently must avoid extensive computer use or "screen time" and may need to complete assignments without the use of a computer. 
• Preferential seating: i.e., a seat near the front of the room, in a quiet area, or away from a window.
• Additional "rest break.s" 
• Providing extra time on assignments and/or tests
• Professor or peer notes
• Recorded classes

Post Concussion Syndrome 

Post-concussion syndrome is a complex disorder where various concussion symptoms, such as headaches and dizziness, last for weeks or months after the initial injury. Some students who experience concussions may develop post-concussion syndrome and require long-term accommodations. 

Students who have experienced a concussion are strongly encouraged to contact Student Accessibility Services regarding their injury, as this injury may impact class attendance and learning needs. If the effects of a concussion persist, students can request accommodations and other support available through the Student Accessibility Services Office.