Recovery from Concussion

Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain heal. The patient may need to limit activities while he or she is recovering from a concussion. Physical activities or activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer, or playing video games may cause concussion symptoms (such as headache or tiredness) to come back or get worse. After a concussion, physical and cognitive activities—such as concentration and learning—should be carefully watched by a medical provider. As the days go by, the patient can expect to slowly feel better.

Recovery Tips

Rest is Key to Help the Brain Heal

• • Keep a regular sleep routine. No late nights.
• • Avoid high-risk/high-speed activities that could result in another blow or jolt to the head or body. Do not resume these types of activities until you have medical approval.
• • Share information about concussion with siblings, teachers, counselors, coaches, and others who spend time with the athlete. This can help them understand how to help.

Return Slowly to Activities

• • Once approved by a doctor, return to normal every day activities slowly, not all at once.
• • Talk with your doctor about returning to school and other activities. You may need to ease back into school, take more frequent breaks, or be given more time to take tests.
• • Ask your doctor about when you can resume safely driving a car or riding a bike.

Talk to a Medical Provider about Concerns

• • Only take medications that are approved by your medical provider.
• • If you had a medical condition at the time of their concussion (such as ADHD or chronic headaches), it may take longer to recover from a concussion.
• • Anxiety and depression may also make it harder to adjust to the symptoms of a concussion.

Post-Concussive Syndrome

While most athletes with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks, some will experience symptoms for longer periods of time. Talk with your health care provider if your concussion symptoms do not go away or if they get worse after return to regular activity. If the concussion symptoms persist for longer than a few weeks last weeks, your medical provider may talk to you about post-concussive syndrome. This condition is believed to occur most commonly in patients with a history of multiple concussions. There are many people who can help in recovery. You do not have to go it alone. Keep talking with your medical provider, family members, and loved ones about how you feel. If you do not think you are getting better, tell your medical provider.