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Short answer The CDC approach: gradual return Ask for school adjustments What helps and what hurts Why see a clinician Go to the ER now if Common questions from students Common questions Related questions SourcesMost students can return to class within a few days of a concussion with lighter loads and extra breaks, once a clinician has checked them.
Rest for the first day or two is fine, but long total rest can slow recovery. Contact sports and risky activity wait until a clinician clears you.
The CDC approach: gradual return
The CDC recommends a gradual return to school and activity instead of long bed rest. After 1 to 2 days of rest, add back light activity, then class time, as symptoms allow. If symptoms get worse with an activity, back off and try again later.
Ask for school adjustments
- Shorter days or breaks during class
- Extra time on tests, or a makeup
- Lighter screen time and reading
- Notes from a classmate or recorded lectures
- A written note from student health for your professors and dean
What helps and what hurts
- Sleep at night and a short nap if you need one
- Water and regular meals
- Light walking as symptoms allow
- Skip alcohol, which can make symptoms worse and hide warning signs
- Avoid contact sports and risky activity until you are cleared
Why see a clinician
Symptoms such as headache, dizziness, foggy thinking and trouble sleeping are common after a hit to the head. A clinician checks for danger signs, and gives a plan for class and sports. See how long a concussion lasts and how to tell if you have one.
Go to the ER now if
- A headache that gets worse or does not go away
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizure or fainting
- Slurred speech, weakness or numbness
- Confusion, unusual sleepiness or you cannot be woken
- One pupil larger than the other
Call 911 for any of these.
If you are not sure what you have, our AI doctor asks a few questions and sends you a care note you can bring to student health.
Common questions from students
How long until I can go to the gym? Only after a clinician clears you, with a stepwise return.
Can I take an exam with a concussion? Ask for an extension or a makeup if you cannot focus. Tell your dean of students.
Can I sleep after a concussion? Usually yes. Call for help if you cannot be woken.
Can I look at screens? Short periods are fine if they do not worsen symptoms.
How long do symptoms last? Most improve within a few weeks, longer for some.
Common questions
When can I go back to class after a concussion?
Most students can return to class within a few days of a concussion with lighter loads and extra breaks, once a clinician has checked them. Rest for the first day or two is fine, but long total rest can slow recovery. Contact sports and risky activity wait until a clinician clears you.
How long until I can go to the gym?
Only after a clinician clears you, with a stepwise return.
Can I take an exam with a concussion?
Ask for an extension or a makeup if you cannot focus. Tell your dean of students.
Can I sleep after a concussion?
Usually yes. Call for help if you cannot be woken.
Can I look at screens?
Short periods are fine if they do not worsen symptoms.
How long do symptoms last?
Most improve within a few weeks, longer for some.