Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Despite being described as “mild”, concussions should be taken seriously. The symptoms can be significant, and returning to activity too soon is the most common cause of prolonged recovery.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion does not require you to lose consciousness. Most concussions occur without any loss of awareness at all. What matters is whether the impact caused a change in brain function, evidenced by symptoms such as headache, confusion, dizziness, light sensitivity, or memory problems.
Concussions are common in contact sports (AFL, rugby, hockey, soccer), falls, motor vehicle accidents, and workplace injuries. They can occur at any age, though children and adolescents tend to take longer to recover than adults.
Concussion Symptoms: What to Expect
Symptoms typically appear within minutes to hours of the injury and may include:
- Headache (the most common symptom)
- Dizziness or a sense of balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia) or noise (phonophobia)
- Feeling foggy, slowed, or confused
- Memory problems (particularly difficulty remembering events around the injury)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep changes (sleeping more than usual or difficulty sleeping)
- Irritability, anxiety, or low mood
How Long Does Concussion Recovery Take?
For most adults, concussion symptoms resolve within 10 to 14 days. Children and teenagers typically take 4 weeks or longer. However, some people experience symptoms that persist for months, a condition sometimes called post-concussion syndrome or prolonged concussion.
| Group | Typical Recovery Time |
|---|---|
| Healthy adults | 7 to 14 days |
| Children and teenagers | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Older adults (60+) | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Elite athletes (with protocols) | Minimum 5-step return to sport, typically 3 to 4 weeks total |
| Post-concussion syndrome | Months; requires specialist management |
The Concussion Recovery Stages
Stage 1: Complete Rest (First 24 to 48 Hours)
The first 24 to 48 hours after a concussion are for rest. This includes both physical and cognitive rest. Screen use, reading, and any activity that requires concentration should be limited.
- Rest in a quiet, dimly lit environment
- Avoid alcohol and sedating medications unless prescribed
- Paracetamol can be used for headache; avoid ibuprofen in the first 48 hours as it may mask symptoms used to monitor severity
- Do not return to sport or physical activity
- Ensure someone checks on you regularly, particularly in the first night
Stage 2: Light Activity (Days 2 to 4)
Once acute symptoms start to settle, you can gradually reintroduce light activity that does not worsen your symptoms. This does not mean pushing through discomfort; it means listening to your body and doing only what feels manageable.
- Short walks at an easy pace are appropriate
- Reduce screen time but do not need to avoid it entirely if symptoms permit
- Light household tasks that do not cause head movement or exertion
- Stop any activity if symptoms worsen
Stage 3: Return to School or Work
A phased return to cognitive demands (school, work, reading) begins once basic symptoms like headache and dizziness have significantly reduced. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
- Start with shorter work or school days
- Take regular breaks and avoid overstimulating environments
- Notify your workplace or school about your injury so accommodations can be made
- Do not drive until you are symptom-free and have been cleared by a doctor
Stage 4: Return to Sport Protocol
Return to contact or high-impact sport follows a formal graduated protocol, regardless of whether symptoms have resolved. The standard return-to-sport protocol involves six stages, each requiring 24 hours at minimum with no symptom return before progressing:
- Stage 1: No activity (complete rest)
- Stage 2: Light aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, stationary cycling)
- Stage 3: Sport-specific exercise (running drills, skating)
- Stage 4: Non-contact training drills
- Stage 5: Full-contact practice (medical clearance required)
- Stage 6: Return to competition
Warning Signs That Require Emergency Care
Most concussions do not require emergency treatment, but some head injuries are more serious. Go to an emergency department immediately if you notice:
- Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
- Repeated vomiting
- Worsening headache despite rest and paracetamol
- Seizure
- One pupil larger than the other
- Slurred speech or confusion that is increasing
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty staying awake or being woken
Is My Recovery Normal? NORMA Can Help You Track It
Concussion recovery is often frustrating because symptoms can fluctuate. A good day can be followed by a worse day, particularly if you did too much. Knowing whether your trajectory is within the expected range can reduce a lot of anxiety.
NORMA can help you understand whether the symptoms you are experiencing at a given point in your recovery are consistent with a typical concussion course. It can also help you frame your concerns clearly for your GP, neurologist, or sports medicine doctor. If your symptoms are persisting beyond expected timelines, NORMA can help you recognise that and prompt you to seek specialist advice sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a concussion headache last?
Headache is the most common concussion symptom and typically resolves within 1 to 2 weeks in adults. If your headache is persisting beyond 2 weeks, or worsening after initial improvement, speak with your doctor.
Can you sleep after a concussion?
Yes. The old advice to “keep the person awake” after a concussion is outdated. Sleep is important for recovery. If you are concerned about a more serious brain injury, have someone check on the person periodically in the first night, but sleep itself is not harmful and is actually beneficial for healing.
What is post-concussion syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome refers to concussion symptoms that persist beyond the expected recovery window (more than 4 weeks in adults, more than 4 to 6 weeks in children). It affects around 10 to 15 percent of concussion patients and typically requires management by a specialist such as a neurologist or rehabilitation physician.