How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Concussion?

Concussions are very common injuries, and although most people recover fully from them, they should be taken very seriously. What is a Concussion?

Concussions are very common injuries, and although most people recover fully from them, they should be taken very seriously.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury that’s often caused by a blow or jolt to the head or by whiplash. It makes the brain move around in the skull, which creates chemical changes and can damage brain cells.

What Are the Types of Concussions?

Concussions are graded from 1 to 3 in the following ways:

Grade 1

Mild, causes no loss of consciousness and symptoms that last fewer than 15 minutes.

Grade 2

Moderate, causes no loss of consciousness and symptoms that last longer than 15 minutes.

Grade 3

Severe, characterized by loss of consciousness, even if it’s for just a few seconds.

What Are Concussion Emergency Signs?

Any possible concussion should be taken seriously and treated by a doctor. If someone experiences any of the following symptoms, you should call 911 or take them to the emergency room:

Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
One pupil larger than the other
Persistent headache
Slurred speech
Weakness or lack of coordination
Vomiting or diarrhea
Agitation or restlessness
Unusual behavior

How Do You Recover from a Concussion?

The following are some steps your doctor might recommend to help you recover from a concussion:

Sleep

Sleeping helps your brain recover. If you need to, supplement your nighttime sleep with short naps during the day.

Avoid Any Triggers

Certain things, such as bright lights, may make your symptoms worse.

Rest Your Brain

Try to take breaks from working or studying when you’re getting over a concussion.

Rest Your Body

Talk to your doctor about what physical activity you can do and when.

Avoid Use of Electronics

Stay away from heavy use of computers or similar electronics soon after you’ve had a concussion.

How Long Does Concussion Recovery Take?

There’s no set time for concussion recovery. Sometimes symptoms may show up right after the injury itself, and other times they may not occur until weeks afterward. You may take days, weeks, or even longer to recover.

How Can You Speed Up Concussion Recovery Process?

Recovering from a concussion can take time. If you’re receiving care from a neurologist and follow their recommendations regarding rest and other steps to take, you’ll have the best chance at a full recovery that occurs as quickly as possible.

Are There Any Symptoms of Concussions?

Concussions may cause any of the following symptoms:

Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Feeling foggy or slowed down
Difficulty remembering or concentrating
Blurred vision
Lack of energy
Sensitivity to noise or light
Dizziness
Sadness
Anxiety
Irritability
Sleeping more or less than usual
Having trouble falling asleep
Loss of consciousness

What Are the Do’s & Don’ts For Concussions?

The following are some do’s and don’ts to follow if you have a concussion:

Don’t

Overdo activities
Engage in computer use too early
Engage in activities that are challenging physically or mentally

Do

Receive medical attention
Give yourself a chance to rest and recover
Pay attention to symptoms that may show up days or weeks later

If you have any signs of a concussion, make an appointment today with Complete Neurological Care throughout NYC and NJ. We’ll diagnose or rule out the presence of a concussion and ensure that you receive the best possible care.