What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury, often from a direct blow to the head, face, neck, or body that causes the brain tissue to stretch and become injured. 

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

 

Concussion symptoms differ for each person and with each injury. Symptoms may not be noticeable right away and may develop in the hours or days following an injury, or when the demands of regular life are resumed. If an individual has suffered a blow to the head, neck or body and isn’t feeling like themselves or is not feeling “normal,” we recommend they contact their primary care provider right away to discuss concern for a concussion.

Anxiousness/nerviousness

Balance problems

Difficulty concentrating/focusing

Dizziness

Fatigue

Feeling like you're in a fog

Feeling more emotional than usual

Feeling slowed down

Headache
 

Irritabilty

Just don't feel right

Pressure in head

Sensitivity to light or sound

Vision problems

 

Patients sometimes have symptoms that return or worsen when doing something that requires a lot of concentration, such as working, studying or playing video games, or when doing physically demanding activities, such as playing sports, exercising or house cleaning. 

 

What do I do if I think I have a concussion?

  • Stop any activities that make your symptoms worse. 
  • This might include staying off your phone, computer, not watching TV, and/or staying home from work/school.
  • Make an appointment with your primary care provider.
  • Notify your doctor or primary care provider about your injury, symptoms, and any concerns you may have.  At your appointment, your doctor will assess and discuss the course of treatment.
  • Take care of yourself.
  • Follow your doctor’s advice.  Limit any activities that cause your symptoms to return or get worse.  Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated.  Avoid non-prescription drugs and alcohol.  Gradually return to your daily activities while listening to your body and its needs.

How long will it take for a concussion to resolve?

The majority of people with a concussion recover quickly 10 - 14 days.  There is a subset of patients who do take longer to recover. 1-3 months.

We know that patients with a history of concussion, a history of headaches and/or a history of psychiatric conditions such as depression or anxiety can have symptoms that last longer than average.  Children and adolescents may take longer to fully recover from a concussion because their brains are still developing. 

Healing from a concussion can be a slow and gradual process, so be patient with your body and the healing process.