If your child has suffered a concussion in a car accident, it is possible that they will suffer adverse effects when they return to school or college. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury and can have unique effects on each individual. A TBI can affect a person’s ability to learn, participate, and perform well in school.
Your child should not suffer because of the carelessness of another party. If you suspect your child has been doing poorly in school after the accident, you should get medical help immediately. While your child receives a diagnosis and proper treatment, do not forget to consult with a TBI attorney. Click here to find out more.
Here’s how a student is affected after a concussion
A concussion can affect a student’s physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. Here are the symptoms to look out for:
Physical
- Visual disturbances
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sleep disturbance
- Unsteadiness when walking
- Restlessness
- Headaches
- Tires easily
- Fatigues as the day/week progresses
- Neck pain
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Sensitive to light
- Sensitive to noise
Cognitive
- Tires easily
- Attendance issues
- Late/incomplete homework
- Difficulty organizing
- Slowed information processing
- Difficulty multitasking
- Difficulty concentrating
- Easily distracted
- Difficulty understanding concepts
- Difficulty expressing themselves
- Decreased academic achievement
- Difficulty reading
- Difficulty learning new information
- Difficulty remembering
Behavioral/emotional
- Problems with motivation
- Social issues (with peers)
- Gets upset easily
- Anxiety
- Frustration
- Sad/depressed
- Irritable/angry
- Behavior changes
- Restlessness
Can a concussion affect learning?
Every student is different. However, all affected students should be able to return to school or college after a concussion if they follow their primary physician’s instructions. During the recovery period, both the student and the teacher may notice differences in the student’s behavior and performance.
One thing that can negatively affect the student’s learning ability is returning to school too early, even before the recovery period ends. Certain activities in school can require the student to put pressure on their mind and concentrate, which can worsen the existing symptoms. It is the same as a physical injury. Trying to walk or run on a broken leg can worsen the injury.
When is a student ready to return to school after a concussion?
The student should only return to school once their primary physician approves. A healthcare provider can make the right evaluations about when a person should return to school based on the severity of the condition. The healthcare provider should offer guidance regarding when the student is finally ready.
If your child was injured in an accident, contact an attorney today.
