Did You Know...
More than 70% of concussions get better within the first four weeks if they are handled the right way. REAP calls these first four weeks a “window of opportunity.” This means it is a very important time to help the student heal as much as possible.
REAP is based on the idea that a concussion heals best when a team works together.This team includes the student, the family, school staff, and healthcare providers. Each group has a different and important point of view!
The first day of the concussion is considered Day One. Recovery also starts on Day One. REAP helps families, schools, and healthcare providers take action right away so the student can recover as well as possible during the first four weeks.
REAP is for ALL students, not just for athletes. Schools must support any student with a concussion, no matter how it happened. Even if a family chooses not to see a doctor, the school still has a responsibility to help the student during recovery.
Medical note from Danny Mistry, MD, ATC
An Interdisciplinary Team approach and a commitment to excellence are imperative. Potential complications can be avoided by strict adherence to the standard of care –which is simple, paying attention to detail, communication and collaboration. All members of the Interdisciplinary Team should strive to be on one-page, which empowers and helps facilitate management. Education for all members of the Interdisciplinary Team (healthcare providers, students, coaches, parents, teachers, and support staff) has significant benefits in the thorough care and enduring recovery of the patient with a concussion.
Message to Parents
To help your child heal from a concussion, remember three important words: Rest, Remove and Reduce.
Make sure your child gets plenty of rest, especially during the first few days after the concussion. Remove them from high-risk physical activities until it is safe (medically) to return them. And for one to four weeks, reduce busy social activities and cognitive (academic/work) load.
Some concussion symptoms can be very strong at first. Your child may need to stay home from school for a day or two. When your child goes back to school, they should avoid high-risk sports, recess games, and PE activities that could cause another hit to the head. Work with your school’s Concussion Management Process to decide when it is safe for your child to return to these activities (see PACE).
Do not let your child say they will rest “later” (after prom, after finals, etc.). Rest needs to start right away.
The school team will help lower your child’s schoolwork if needed (see ADJUST/ACCOMMODATE).
At home, you should help lower sensory activities. Encourage your child or teen to:
Stay away from loud events like extra-curricular games and dances. If they are not able to attend most of the school day yet, they should not go to after-school activities.
Limit (not completely stop) video games, texting, social media, and screen time
Limit (not completely stop) reading and homework
A concussion usually slows reaction time. Because of this, your child should not drive until a doctor says it is safe or until a parent carefully supervises them.
For more information about returning to school, see ADJUST/ACCOMMODATE.