Citation

Hall EE, Ketcham CJ, Crenshaw CR, Baker MH, McConnell JM, Patel K. Clin. J. Sport. Med. 2014; 25(3): 291-296.

Affiliation

Departments of *Exercise Science; and †Athletics, Elon University, Elon, North Carolina.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JSM.0000000000000133

PMID

25010153

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.

Language: en