Dec. 2025
Andrea Zians

Dear Andrea,
I was in a car accident at the start of the semester that left me with a concussion. I returned to university shortly afterwards, but I’m still struggling with fatigue, headaches, and sensitivity to light. I’m worried about how to keep up with my courses. Everything takes me longer; sometimes, nothing sinks into my brain. Do you have any strategies that could help me manage school and recovery?

Not Feeling Back to Normal


Dear Not Feeling Back to Normal

Thanks for your letter, and I am sorry to hear about your accident and head injury. Returning to university after a concussion takes courage and patience. I am so happy you have asked how to manage your recovery while keeping up with your studies.

The first thing to ensure is that your return happens under medical supervision. I’ve seen many students push themselves back too quickly and find their symptoms getting worse. Concussion recovery is unpredictable. Some days you may feel fine, but everything feels more challenging the next day. A gradual, well-monitored return will give you the best chance for success.

It’s important to know that a concussion is recognized as a temporary disability and will be accommodated by your school’s accessibility office. You’ll need medical documentation outlining your functional limitations as you heal, such as fatigue, light sensitivity, or trouble focusing. Medical documentation helps the accessibility staff determine which support will be most helpful for you.

Once you have that documentation, reach out to your school’s accessibility office if you have not done so already. They will help you develop a plan that fits your situation. Every concussion looks slightly different, and your plan should reflect your current needs. A full range of support is available, and here are a few common ones: flexible deadlines, note-taking assistance, or quieter testing and study spaces. The goal is to help you keep learning while giving you allowances for your new working method during recovery. 

You should book an appointment with your school’s assistive technologist. An assistive technologist can show you how to adjust your computer or laptop to reduce eye strain. Simple changes like lowering brightness, switching to darker backgrounds, or using a blue-light filter can make a real difference. Assistive technologists can also introduce you to technology to read your course materials aloud on the computer. This software can be a game-changer, and almost all colleges and universities have someone responsible for converting your textbooks into digital files to make using this technology feasible. There is so much support available to you.  Make sure you connect. 

If you’re at McMaster University, you’re lucky to have access to an excellent space called CATS, the Campus Accessible Tech Space, in the library. It’s calm, quiet, and designed for students with concussions and other accessibility needs. There are specialized computer screens that reduce visual strain, which can be beneficial while recovering from a head injury.  CATS is a great resource for students needing a supportive place to complete schoolwork.

Remember that recovery takes time. Because a concussion is an invisible injury, it’s easy to feel pressure to “act normal” or perform the way you did before. But pushing too hard can set you back. Resting more, taking fewer courses, or adjusting your expectations this term is okay. Healing takes time.

You’ve already shown how much you care about your education and health. By getting medical guidance, connecting with your accessibility office, and using the right tools, you’re setting yourself up for success. This recovery period won’t last forever, and the effort you put into healing now will pay off later.

And remember, every student deserves support. Whether you’re dealing with a concussion, a chronic health condition, or simply a tough semester, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 


Andrea Zians, M.A., is an ADHD Coach and Assistive Technologist who helps students develop executive functioning skills, develop learning strategies to use technology effectively, and build strategies for academic success. Send your questions to [email protected]