Returning to work and study after a concussion needs to be gradual, paced, and guided by your symptoms. Adjusting hours, reducing workload, and taking regular breaks can help prevent setbacks and support recovery. Your therapy team can help plan a safe and supported return to daily responsibilities.
Return to school/study
- Take a day or two off school/study to rest and recover
- Try some school/study activities for short periods of time eg; start with 15 minutes a few times a day and gradually increase as tolerated
- You may need to start with reduced hours/days at school/study initially
- You are ready to go back to school/study when you can concentrate and do things for longer periods without increasing symptoms
- Be guided by your therapy team, who can liaise with your teachers/tutors
Return to work
- If you are returning to your previous work role, ACC may support you with a vocational rehabilitation programme (Stay at Work programme)
- Your therapy team will liaise with ACC regarding the appropriate timing of this and communicate with your vocational provider
- A gradual return to work is often recommended, for example starting with a few hours or half days and increasing as tolerated
- Work tasks may need to be modified, depending on your role
General tips
- Pace yourself and take extra breaks, before you feel too tired
- Slowly increase your workload and hours as tolerated
- Allow yourself extra time to complete work tasks
- Use strategies to help you with your thinking and communication skills (refer to thinking and communication information)
- A graded return to study and/or work can restore your daily routine and support your recovery
General tips
- Consider your environment – reduce distractions where possible
- Limit time using a screen. Turn your brightness on your screen down or use a blue light filter
- Musician’s earplugs may be helpful to reduce noise sensitivity
- Your therapy team will be able to tailor an individual programme for your recovery
Useful links
- www.acc.co.nz/im-injured/getting-back-to-work
- ANZ CONCUSSION GUIDELINES – Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Clinical Practice Guideline for the assessment and management of mild traumatic brain injury
- An overview of concussion/mild traumatic brain injury management for primary healthcare professionals – bpacnz