SCHOOL LETTER

Returning to School 

After a Concussion

The student is currently reporting the following symptoms: 

DEAR SCHOOL STAFF:

This letter offers input from a healthcare provider with experience in treating concussion, a type of traumatic brain 

injury. This letter was created to help school professionals and parents support students returning to school after a 

concussion. You can use these recommendations to make decisions about support for your student based on his or her 

specific needs. This letter is not intended to create a 504 Plan or an IEP unless school professionals determine that one 

is needed. Most students will only need short-term support as they recover from a concussion. A strong relationship 

between the healthcare provider, the school, and the parents will help your student recover and return to school.

Student Name Date

Healthcare Provider’s Name

was seen for a concussion on

in office or clinic.

The student also reported these symptoms:

Bothered by light 

or noise

Dizziness or balance 

problems 

Feeling tired, no energy

Headaches

Nausea or vomiting 

Vision problems

Sleeping less 

than usual 

Sleeping more 

than usual 

Trouble falling 

asleep

Attention or 

concentration problems 

Feeling slowed down 

Foggy or groggy

Problems with shortor long-term memory

Trouble thinking clearly

Anxiety or 

nervousness 

Irritability or easily 

angered 

Feeling more 

emotional 

Sadness 

PHYSICAL SLEEP THINKING OR

REMEMBERING

SOCIAL OR

EMOTIONAL
Based on the student’s current symptoms, I recommend that the student:

Based on the student’s symptoms, please make the short-term changes checked below: 

Be permitted to return to school and activities while school professionals closely monitor the student. School 

professionals should observe and check in with the student for the first two weeks, and note if symptoms 

worsen. If symptoms do not worsen during an activity, then this activity is OK for the student. If symptoms 

worsen, the student should cut back on time spent engaging in that activity, and may need some short-term 

support at school. Tell the student to update his or her teachers and school counselor if symptoms worsen.

Return to school with the following changes until his or her symptoms improve. 

(NOTE: Making short-term changes to a student’s daily school activities can help him or her return to a 

regular routine more quickly. As the student begins to feel better, you can slowly remove these changes.) 

Is excused from school for days. 

No physical activity during recess

No physical education (PE) class

No after school sports

Shorten school day

Later school start time

Reduce the amount of homework

Postpone classroom tests or 

standardized testing 

Provide extended time to complete school 

work, homework, or take tests

Provide written notes for school lessons 

and assignments (when possible)

Allow for a quiet place to take rest breaks 

throughout the day

Lessen the amount of screen time for the 

student, such as on computers, tablets, etc.

Give ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help 

with headaches (as needed)

Allow the student to wear sunglasses, earplugs, 

or headphones if bothered by light or noise

Other:

Healthcare Provider’s Name (printed) Healthcare Provider’s Signature Date

For additional questions, you may reach me at:

Most children with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks. However, for some, symptoms can last for a month or 

longer. If there are any symptoms that concern you, or are getting worse, notify the student’s parents that the student 

should be seen by a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

For information on helping students return to school safely after a concussion, visit www.cdc.gov/HEADSUP.

School Letter: Returning to School After a Concussion www.cdc.gov/HEADSUP

RETURNING TO SCHOOL