Getting Better After a Concussion

Most people with a concussion have a good recovery

Concussion symptoms are often most severe right after the injury. Most people will feel better within four weeks. Getting checked by a medical professional and making short-term changes to your daily activities can help you get back to a regular routine more quickly.

Most people with a concussion can recover safely at home after being checked by their medical professional

During the first one to two days:

• Allow yourself time to rest, if you need it. But don’t stay in a dark room all day.
• Limit your screentime, as well as activities that are physically or mentally challenging.
• You may need to take a short time off from work or school.
• Find relaxing activities like reading and taking short walks outside that do not make your symptoms worse.

After the first one to two days of rest:

• Start light physical activity and slowly ease back into your daily routine (except activities that increase the risk for another head or brain injury), even if you still have some mild symptoms. Keep in mind that if your symptoms get worse, you should cut back on that activity.
• Follow your medical professional’s instructions about when you can safely return to work, school, or other activities, such as riding a bike or driving a car.

When symptoms are mild or nearly gone:

• Return to most of your regular activities, as long as that activity does not cause your symptoms to come back or get worse.
• Follow instructions from your medical professional about returning to sports or other physical activities. Many sports programs will require you to get clearance from a medical professional before returning to sports participation.

Recovery from a concussion means you can do your regular activities without experiencing symptoms. Older adults, young children, and people who have had a concussion or other brain injury in the past may take longer to recover.

Taking these steps may help speed up your concussion recovery.

• Avoid activities during your recovery that can put you at risk for another injury to your head and brain, such as playing sports, until you are cleared by a medical professional to participate in these activities.
• Stay connected with friends and loved ones and talk with them about how you are feeling. Having support from family and friends can help you feel better.
• Talk to your employer about Employee Assistance Programs and other support services to help you get back to work safely.
• Ask your medical professional about medications that are safe to take during recovery.
• Limit screen time and loud music before bed, sleep in a dark room, and keep to a fixed bedtime and wake-up schedule.
• Do things that are good for your overall brain health, such as eating a healthy diet and making sure you remain well hydrated. Dehydration and poor nutrition will make symptoms feel worse.

Talk to your medical professional if symptoms don’t improve or go away.

Some people will have symptoms for months or longer. Talk with your medical professional if symptoms:

• Do not improve or go away within four weeks
• Get worse after you return to your regular activities

If you have ongoing symptoms, your medical professional may refer you to a specialist with experience in managing concussions and other brain injuries. Having a history of previous concussions or experiencing more severe symptoms increases the chance that you will have a longer recovery or that the concussion will lead to ongoing or chronic health problems. Other factors that might delay recovery include:

• Having other medical conditions, including headache and sleep disorders, mental health problems, and learning difficulties
• Experiencing family and social stressors

Stay connected to others during recovery.

You may feel frustrated, sad, and even angry because you can’t participate in your usual activities during recovery. These feelings are common after a concussion. Staying in contact and talking with friends and loved ones about these issues may help. Be sure to also talk with your medical professional about any changes in mental health and emotions that get worse or don’t go away. Your medical professional has treatments that can help you.

Compassionate answers. Real support. Every step of the way.

Contact the National Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443 to speak to a specialist about:

• Help with care needs
• Legal and financial resources
• Services in your community