A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can range from mild to severe, with mild concussions being the most common. Recovery time for a mild concussion can vary quite a bit from person to person. Most people recover fully within 2 weeks, but some may take over a month to feel back to normal. Here’s a more in-depth look at what to expect and how long it typically takes to recover from a mild concussion.
What are the symptoms of a mild concussion?
A mild concussion may cause one or more of the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating or focusing
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Irritability or sadness
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Ringing in the ears
- Sleep disturbances
Symptoms are usually most severe in the first 1-2 days after injury. Some symptoms may linger for weeks or months, especially issues with concentration, memory, and sleep.
Acute Stage (First 7-10 Days)
The acute stage lasts about 7-10 days after the concussion. This is when symptoms like headache, dizziness, and confusion are most problematic. Most patients need to limit physical and cognitive activities during this time to allow the brain to rest and prevent worsening symptoms. Getting extra sleep, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoiding bright lights or loud sounds may help manage symptoms. Your doctor may recommend taking a few days off work or school when symptoms are severe.
As your brain starts to heal, you can gradually resume normal activities, but it’s important not to overdo it. Pushing yourself too hard can cause symptoms to flare up again. Monitor your symptoms carefully and cut back if you notice them worsening with increased activity. Most patients start to feel noticeably better within a week.
Subacute Stage (1-4 Weeks)
The subacute stage lasts from 1 to about 4 weeks post-concussion. Your symptoms should be improving during this time, though you may still have some issues like headache, fatigue, and concentration/memory problems. Continue to pace your return to work/school and avoid risky physical activities that could result in another concussion.
Your doctor will likely recommend starting some light aerobic exercise like walking or stationary cycling once you are tolerating normal daily activities without significant symptoms. Avoid contact sports, weight lifting, running, and high-risk recreational activities during this time. Physical and cognitive rest are very important in the early part of the subacute stage.
Example Return to Daily Activities Schedule
| Days Post-Concussion | Recommended Activity Level |
|---|---|
| Days 1-2 | Cognitive and physical rest |
| Days 3-5 | Light cognitive activity (up to 30 minutes at a time) |
| Days 6-7 | Gradually increase cognitive activity (try 2-3 hours of light studying) |
| Days 8-14 | Continue increasing mental exertion (try 4-6 hours of school work) |
| Days 15+ | Full cognitive load (return to school full-time if tolerating workload) |
As you start resuming more mental activity, be sure to take plenty of breaks to avoid over-exerting your still-recovering brain. Stop and rest if symptoms flare up.
Chronic Stage (1 Month+)
The chronic concussion stage begins about one month after injury. Most patients are back to their usual activities by this point, but some people still have lingering effects like headaches, irritability, and trouble concentrating. these issues tend to gradually resolve over the next several weeks.
It’s reasonable to return to full participation in school, work, and athletic activities as long as you have no symptoms at rest and only minimal symptoms with mental and physical exertion. Make sure to check with your doctor before resuming sports to make sure your brain has adequately healed.
If symptoms last longer than a few months, you may need to consider vision therapy, vestibular therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and other treatments for persistent post-concussion syndrome under the guidance of a specialist.
Factors Affecting Recovery Time
Several factors can influence concussion recovery time:
- Age – Children and teens tend to take longer to recover than adults.
- Concussion history – Prior concussions often lead to longer recovery periods.
- Severity – More severe concussion symptoms usually take longer to resolve.
- Rest – Getting adequate rest speeds healing in the acute stage.
- Medication – Medications may help relieve persistent symptoms.
- Other injuries – Additional injuries like neck strain prolong concussion recovery.
Estimated Recovery Times by Age Group
| Age Group | Typical Recovery Time |
|---|---|
| Children (5-12 years) | 4 weeks or longer |
| Adolescents (13-18 years) | 3-4 weeks |
| Young Adults (19-39 years) | 2-3 weeks |
| Adults (40-59 years) | 10-14 days |
| Older Adults (60+ years) | Longer recovery periods |
Tips for Recovering Faster
Here are some tips that may help speed your recovery from a mild concussion:
- Get lots of rest and sleep, especially in the first few days.
- Avoid strenuous physical and mental activity in the early stages.
- Ask your employer for accommodations like reduced hours if needed.
- Stay well hydrated and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Limit screen time if you have vision/headache issues.
- Consider supplements like omega-3s and turmeric.
- Try natural remedies like aromatherapy and meditation.
- Use OTC meds for headaches/pain under your doctor’s guidance.
- Get referred to vestibular and vision therapy if having persistent dizziness or vision problems.
Seeking Medical Care
Make sure to follow up with your doctor for reassessment and guidance. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:
- Worsening concussion symptoms
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Vomiting that won’t stop
- Increasing headache or neck pain
- Abnormal pupil dilation
- Confusion that worsens or prevents self-care
- Weakness or numbness in arms/legs
- Slurred speech
These could be signs of bleeding or more serious injury in the brain. Most concussions resolve without issue, but repeat brain trauma before full recovery can lead to cumulative damage over time. Let your doctor guide you on safely returning to sports and other higher risk activities after concussion.
Conclusion
In summary, most people recover fully from a mild concussion within 2-4 weeks. But children, teens, and those with prior concussions or more severe symptoms may take over a month to feel back to normal. Get plenty of rest, avoid mentally and physically overexerting yourself, and work closely with your doctor on transitioning back to your full workload and activities. With proper management, you can expect an eventual full recovery.