Expanding Concussion Laws Not Necessary for Return to Learning After Concussion.

Abstract

* Abbreviation: RTL — : returning to learning The concept of returning to learning (RTL) after a concussion is relatively new in the history of concussion management. McGrath, in 2010, was 1 of the first to publish the idea of providing for academic support to student athletes recovering from a concussion.1 The American Academy of Pediatrics provided a framework for the concept of RTL to pediatricians through a clinical report published in 2013.2 Since 2013, several research studies support an earlier return to school but also support the need for academic adjustments to be made for students recovering from concussions.3,4 Return to play laws regarding concussions, first passed in 2009 in the state of Washington in response to a devastating brain injury suffered by Zackery Lystedt in football, are present now in all 50 states. In this issue, Thompson et al5 investigated the current state of RTL laws in the United States. Currently, 8 states have passed a law specifically addressing RTL for concussions. Thompson et al5 concluded that there is “need for legislative action on the … Address correspondence to Mark E. Halstead, MD, Department of Pediatrics and Orthopedics, St Louis Children’s Hospital, 14532 S Outer Forty Dr, Chesterfield, MO 63017. E-mail: halsteadm{at}wustl.edu