How Long Does a Concussion Last?

Anywhere from 1.7 million to 3 million concussions happen each year in the US from playing contact sports and participating in recreational activities. However, about 50% of concussions remain unreported and undiagnosed. Yet, even mild traumatic brain injuries can have serious effects.

People who experience concussion symptoms have a unique course, so it is impossible to predict a fixed timeline for concussion recovery. However, seeking timely medical treatment in the emergency department and getting proper medical care at a specialized concussion clinic can improve the chances of recovering normal brain function fully and more quickly.

Is concussion considered a mild traumatic brain injury?

Yes, a concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury. It occurs due to a jolt, bump, or blow to the head. The injury causes a rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and brain, damaging brain cells and blood vessels, causing brain swelling, and leading to chemical changes in the brain.

Notably, concussions are classified as “mild” head injuries because they are not life-threatening. However, concussion patients can have serious effects during the recovery period. Just one concussion, even a mild concussion, can have long-term health consequences. The risk of long-term complications is even greater with multiple concussions or repeated head impacts, especially if they occur before complete recovery from a previous concussion.

What are the stages of a concussion?

There are three stages during the recovery process from a concussion:

Acute symptomatic phase

This is the stage from the time of the injury to the time when concussion symptoms start to resolve. It typically lasts 3 days or less. During this stage, symptoms typically worsen with movement and exposure to bright lights and sounds. It is vital to get mental and physical rest during this stage of recovery.

Recovery phase

This stage is characterized by lessening symptoms of brain injury. Doctors advise a gradual return to pre-injury levels of mental and physical activity. Continued follow-up in a concussion clinic is recommended so that healthcare providers can develop an individualized treatment plan for specific symptoms such as neck pain, dizziness, slurred speech, balance problems, sleep problems, vision problems, memory problems, or mood changes.

Recovered phase

This is the stage when the brain tissue has healed, mental processing is back to pre-injury levels, and a person is no longer experiencing symptoms while engaging in normal activities.

What are concussion symptoms and signs?

The following concussion danger signs may be noticeable by other people or a healthcare provider after a concussion occurs:

Inability to recall events prior to or after the car accident or sports injury
Appearing dazed or confused
Forgetting instructions
Clumsy movements
Slow responses to questions
Loss of consciousness (even momentarily)
Mood or personality changes

In addition to the above, a person with a known or suspected concussion may report the following symptoms:

Headache
Nausea
Repeated vomiting
Dizziness
Balance difficulties
Double vision or blurry vision
Feeling hazy, groggy, foggy, or sluggish
Being bothered by loud music or bright lights
Extreme drowsiness or changes in sleep patterns
Difficulty concentrating and memory loss

Most concussions result in full recovery. However, it’s important to seek timely medical attention from a healthcare professional to improve the chances of a full and fast recovery from concussion symptoms.

How long does a minor concussion last?

A minor concussion typically lasts 14-30 days. Age is a particularly important factor in concussion recovery. A younger age is associated with a slower recovery. The normal recovery duration for people younger than 18 years is 30 days, while that for people older than 18 years of age is 14 days.

Approximately 10-30% of those who experience symptoms of a concussion have a prolonged recovery. Some of the risk factors for a slower recovery from a concussion include:

Age younger than 18 years
Female gender
Symptoms such as fogginess, memory loss, and prolonged headache for more than 3 hours after the injury
Presence of a greater number of concussion symptoms
History of prior concussions
Pre-existing mental health issues
Neck injury

What is post-concussion syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome is when the symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury last longer than expected (for weeks or months). In most people, concussion symptoms appear in the first 7-10 days after the injury and disappear within 3 months. However, in some people, concussion symptoms can last for a year or more. It’s not always possible to identify the exact cause of post-concussion syndrome. However, healthcare providers can work with you to understand your current concussion symptoms and recommend treatments.

What helps a concussion heal faster?

Here are some tips on helping a concussion heal faster:

Seek medical care in an emergency room after a head injury.
Get enough physical and mental rest for the first 2-3 days.
Avoid things that make your symptoms worse or cause new symptoms, such as playing video games, listening to loud music, or exposure to bright lights.
Return to light physical and mental activity after the first couple of days, such as short walks, light household chores, watching TV, listening to music, and short periods of work. Gradually increase physical and mental exertion until you are symptom-free.
Get a good night’s sleep during all stages of recovery.
Stay well hydrated with non-caffeinated beverages and eat a healthy diet.

How to prevent a head injury?

Even a single concussion can lead to prolonged recovery and long-term complications. Prevention is better than cure. Here are some steps you can take to prevent a traumatic brain injury:

Always wear a seatbelt when riding in a motor vehicle.
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Wear appropriate protective gear, such as a helmet, while playing contact sports or participating in recreational activities such as horse riding or skateboarding.
Make play areas and living environments safe for children.
Older adults are at an increased risk of traumatic brain injuries from falls. They should have their medicines reviewed (some medicines can cause dizziness as a side effect) and their eyes checked at least once a year. In addition, an elderly person’s home should be evaluated for safety. Also, they should work with a physical therapist, if needed, to improve balance and movement and prevent head injury.

Wrapping up

Various factors affect recovery from a concussion. Some people feel better within days, while others need weeks or even months. Head injuries can lead to long-term effects, especially if you lose consciousness, do not seek medical care, or suffer a second concussion or further injury before you have healed from a previous one. That’s why it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you have suffered a jolt or blow to the head. They can recommend appropriate treatments for your concussion symptoms and increase your chances of a full and fast recovery from a concussion.

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