Concussion Recovery: What You Need to Know for Safe Healing

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that affects how your brain functions. While most people recover fully, proper management is essential to prevent complications and ensure safe healing.

Recognizing Concussion Symptoms

Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over hours to days:

• Physical: Headache, nausea, dizziness, balance problems, fatigue, sensitivity to light and noise.
• Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating, feeling foggy, memory problems, slow thinking.
• Emotional: Irritability, sadness, anxiety, mood changes.
• Sleep: Sleeping more or less than usual, trouble falling asleep.

The Recovery Process

Recovery varies by individual, but most people improve within 2-4 weeks. Key principles include:

First 24-48 Hours

• Rest both physically and mentally
• Avoid screens (phones, computers, TV)
• Sleep in a quiet, dark room
• Monitor for worsening symptoms

Days 3-7

• Gradually return to light activities as tolerated
• Short periods of reading or screen time
• Light walking if it doesn't worsen symptoms

Weeks 2-4

• Gradual return to school or work
• Incremental increase in physical activity
• Follow your doctor's return-to-play protocol for sports

When to Seek Emergency Care

Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:

• Severe or worsening headache
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizures
• Unusual behavior or confusion
• Weakness, numbness, or coordination problems
• Loss of consciousness

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Some people experience symptoms lasting weeks to months—a condition called post-concussion syndrome. If your symptoms persist beyond 2-3 weeks, a neurological evaluation can help identify contributing factors and develop a treatment plan for recovery.