Health
John XXIII College
Caring for your child after a suspected concussion
The health and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. If your child has sustained a suspected concussion, it is important that they are monitored carefully and receive appropriate medical advice before returning to normal activities.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head, face, neck, or body that results in forces being transmitted to the brain. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over the following hours or days.
Common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling tired or drowsy
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Feeling slowed down, confused, or 'not quite right'
When to seek urgent medical care
Please seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences any of the following:
- Loss of consciousness
- Increasing drowsiness or inability to wake
- Repeated vomiting
- Severe or worsening headache
- Seizures
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking
- Slurred speech
- Significant confusion or unusual behaviour
Return to learning
Returning to school should be gradual and guided by your child's symptoms.
For the first 24 to 48 hours, relative rest is recommended. This includes limiting activities that worsen symptoms, such as excessive screen time, prolonged reading, or intense concentration.
Students may then return to learning in stages:
- Short periods of light cognitive activity at home.
- Partial attendance or reduced workload if needed.
- Increased participation in classroom activities as tolerated.
Full return to learning once symptoms are managed and schoolwork can be completed without significant symptom worsening.
Temporary supports may include:
- Rest breaks during the day
- Reduced screen use
- Extra time for tasks and assessments
Modified homework expectations
Return to sport and physical activity
Children and adolescents should successfully return to learning before returning to sport.
A gradual, stepwise return to sport is recommended:
- Symptom-limited daily activities.
- Light aerobic exercise (e.g. walking or stationary cycling).
- Individual sport-specific exercise.
- Non-contact training drills.
- Full-contact practice (following medical clearance where required).
Return to normal game play.
If symptoms return at any stage, the student should stop the activity, rest, and return to the previous symptom-free stage after medical advice.
Communication with the school
If your child has been diagnosed with or is recovering from a concussion, please inform the school and provide any relevant medical recommendations. Working together helps us support your child's safe return to learning and physical activity.
The College will require a clearance from the treating Physician prior to returning to full physical and learning activities.
If you have any questions, please contact the College Health Centre.
Judy Buckley
College Nurse