A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, violent jolt or blow to your head. Anyone from infants to the elderly can get a concussion. Headache is the most common symptom. Most symptoms resolve within 14 to 21 days.
Most people with a concussion have one or more of the symptoms listed below and recover fully within days, weeks or a few months. But for some people, symptoms of concussion can last even longer. Generally, if you feel that something is not quite right, or if you are feeling foggy, you should talk with your doctor.
Doctors say not allowing someone to fall asleep after a concussion and needing to wake someone hourly after one are myths. However, surveys have shown that many people still believe you should stay awake for 24 hours after hitting your head. 1 In reality, sleep may be the best remedy.
Many people experience dizziness during the first 1-2 weeks after concussion. However, it usually resolves on its own without the need for treatment. If your symptoms continue, speak to your primary health care provider so they can determine the cause and recommend a treatment plan.
Do not allow the athlete (or concussed individual) to sleep for at least 3 hours after the injury. May not need to wake the athlete throughout the night, but monitoring them throughout the night is prudent.
In fact, the risk of developing persistent post-concussive symptoms doesn't appear to be associated with the severity of the initial injury. In most people, symptoms occur within the first seven to 10 days and go away within three months. Sometimes, they can persist for a year or more.
Concussion recovery and treatment. Approximately 80 percent of concussions resolve over seven to 14 days, with an average of 10 days. People with concussions should never return to sports or other physical activity sooner than one week from sustaining the injury.
Watch your child closely during the first 2 hours after the injury. Have your child lie down and rest until all symptoms have cleared. Note: mild headache, mild dizziness and nausea are common. Allow your child to sleep if he wants to, but keep him nearby.
These symptoms are signs of a more serious head injury, and they may happen hours later and, rarely, even days later. That's why watching your child closely for the first 24 to 48 hours after a head injury is important.