Concussion Process for Students

Athletes Diagnosed with a Concussion

• If you are a Luther athlete, an athletic trainer will determine return to play and return to academics
• The athletic trainer will email Disability Services and let them know a concussion has been sustained
• To receive academic accommodations during the concussion, the student needs to visit Disability Services in CAE
• The athletic trainer will give Disability Services documentation for the proper academic accommodations
• Disability Services will provide a modification letter supporting accommodations for the duration of the concussion

Students Diagnosed with a Concussion

• If you receive a concussion and are not an athlete, you need to go to Luther Health Service to be diagnosed with a concussion
• This provider will send Disability Services documentation to show a concussion was sustained and possible academic accommodations that may be needed
• The student needs to visit Disability Services in CAE to request accommodations
• Disability Services will provide a modification letter supporting accommodations for the duration of the concussion

Important Reminders

• Get to the appropriate provider that can diagnose the concussion and give further instructions
• Follow the provider’s instructions
• You must come to Disability Services to activate the accommodations
• Keep up communication with professors when you’re feeling up to it
• Rest, take care of yourself, be patient—it can take a few weeks to resolve concussive symptoms

Accommodations Are Not Retroactive

If you get a concussion and you don’t come to Disability Services for two weeks, your accommodations would begin on the date your accommodations are approved by Disability Services, not two weeks prior.

Concussions and Mental Health

• Most concussion symptoms resolve within a few weeks, some experience symptoms for a few months or even beyond a year
• It can be difficult to differentiate between mental health and concussion symptoms as many symptoms are shared (depression, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, confusion, irritability, personality changes, emotion dysregulation)
• Those with a history of depression/anxiety may have prolonged concussion symptoms or concussions may worsen these issues
• Over 50% of people with a head injury report experiencing depression within the next year
• For many the restrictions that a concussion puts on participation in athletics, academics, or social situations can create anxiety, depression, and lowered self esteem
• Alcohol and/or drug use can worsen your concussion recovery
• You can work with your physician to request temporary academic accommodations through Disability Services
• See a physician if your symptoms are persisting longer than expected
• Counseling may help with emotional issues post concussion

Additional Resources