Having regular follow up appointments with your doctor may be needed to help identify a plan to return to your academics.  It is also important to be self-aware of your symptoms in order to manage your workload.  If you require accommodations, please contact AccessAbility Services about how you can explore your options as you transition back to your classes.

Parachute Canada has provided a tool to help you navigate your activity below.  It is advised not to rush yourself; allow time and flexibility between activities; and note when symptoms re-appear to regress to previous stages and/or only participate in activities that you can tolerate.  Please contact your physician or seek medical help immediately if symptoms worsen, not resolving or return after symptoms have resolved.

Step Activity Examples
Step 1 Activities of daily living and relative rest at

home (first 24-48 hours)

 

Minimize screen time (e.g., phone, TV, computer)

 

Ready for the next step?

After a maximum 24 to 48 hours after injury, go to step 2.

 
  • Light walking
  • Preparing meals
  • Social interactions (e.g., talking with friends)
  • Short board games, drawing, crafts

 

 
Step 2 Social activities with encouragement to

return to academics (as tolerated)

 

Ready for the next step?

If you are tolerating social activities, progress to step 3.

 
  • Reading or other light cognitive activities
  • Social interactions
  • Screen time as tolerated
  • Wear sunglasses indoors to manage room lighting

 
Step 3 Part-time or full days at school with accommodations, gradually reintroducing schoolwork

 

Ready for the next step?

If you can tolerate full days without accommodations for concussion, progress to step 4.

 
  • May need to begin with partial school days
  • May need accommodations for academic workload and/or to the school environment (e.g., access to breaks, extra time to complete work, dim lighting)
Step 4 Return to full days at school and academic activities, without accommodations related to the concussion.

 

  

READY FOR NEXT STAGE? Follow Return to Play Protocol

 

Information above has been adapted with permission from Parachute Canada