Overview
A concussion happens when a hit or jolt makes the brain move quickly inside the skull. This can change how the brain works for a while. You don't have to pass out to have a concussion.
Most people recover fully with a short rest, then a slow return to normal activities. A second concussion before the brain heals can be serious, so it's important not to rush back to sports.
Symptoms
Symptoms can show up right away or hours to days later.
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Feeling foggy or slowed down
- Trouble concentrating or remembering
- Feeling tired
Less common
- Nausea or vomiting (early on)
- Bothered by light or noise
- Blurry or double vision
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Being irritable, sad, or more emotional
- Can't remember the injury
How it usually goes
- First hour: Watch closely for danger signs.
- Days 1 to 2: Symptoms are usually worst. Rest.
- After 2 days: Start light activity and slowly add more.
- 2 to 4 weeks: Most people feel better.
When to get medical care
Causes
A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a hit to the body that makes the head move fast. Falls, sports, car crashes, and being hit are common causes.
Who is more likely to get it
- Contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer
- Falls, especially in young children and older adults
- A past concussion
- Not wearing a helmet or seat belt
Possible complications
- Post-concussion syndrome: Symptoms that last for months
- Bleeding around the brain: Rare but dangerous
- Anxiety or low mood: Can happen during recovery
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional checks your symptoms, memory, balance, and thinking.
Questions you may be asked
- How the head injury happened
- Whether you passed out or can't remember what happened
- Headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
- Trouble thinking, focusing, or sleeping
- Past concussions
The exam
They'll check your eyes, balance, coordination, strength, and memory.
Tests
Most concussions don't need scans. A scan may be done if there are danger signs:
- CT scan: To check for bleeding or a skull fracture.
- Symptom checklist: To track symptoms over time during recovery.
Treatment
There's no medicine that heals a concussion. Rest at first, then a slow return to activity helps the brain recover.
Self-care
- Rest for the first 1 to 2 days, but you don't need to stay in a dark room
- Limit screens and hard mental work at first
- Start light activity, like a short walk, after a day or two
- Slowly add back school, work, and activities. Cut back if symptoms get worse
- Get good sleep and drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid alcohol and activities that could cause another head injury
Medicines
Medicines can ease headache.
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pain reliever Acetaminophen | Headache | Ask your healthcare professional which pain reliever is best. Using pain relievers too often can cause rebound headaches. |
Ask before driving, especially if you feel slow, dizzy, or have vision problems.
Return to sports in steps, only with approval from a healthcare professional. Most children can go back to school within 1 to 2 days with some extra support.
How it compares
| Concussion | Bleeding around the brain | Skull fracture | Migraine | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Head injury | Head injury | Strong head injury | No injury needed |
| Headache | Mild to moderate, improves | Gets worse over hours | At the injury site | Throbbing, with nausea |
| Urgency | See a doctor | Call 911 | Call 911 | Usually home care |
Prevention
You can lower the risk of a concussion:
- Wear a helmet for biking, skating, skiing, and contact sports
- Always wear a seat belt and use car seats for children
- Make your home safer from falls: good lighting, grab bars, no loose rugs
- Follow safe play rules in sports
Which doctor treats this
- Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
- They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).
Living with it
Support groups and helplines
- Brain Injury Association of America: Help line 1-800-444-6443 and state chapters.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Never return to sports the same day as a head injury.
- Go back to school first, with breaks and a lighter workload if needed.
- Return to sports step by step only after a doctor clears you and symptoms are gone.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Children: Watch for crying more, changes in eating or sleeping, or losing interest in play. Never return to sports the same day.
- Teens: Encourage them to report symptoms. Playing with a concussion raises the risk of another, more serious injury.
- Older adults: Get checked after any head injury, especially on blood thinners. Recovery may be slower.
Outlook
Most people recover fully within a few days to weeks. Some have symptoms for months, so check in with your healthcare professional if you're not getting better.
Getting ready for your visit
Someone who saw the injury can help describe it.
What to bring
- How the injury happened and what you remember
- A list of symptoms and when they started
- Past concussions and medicines, especially blood thinners
Questions to ask
- When can I go back to school or work?
- When can I return to sports or drive?
- What symptoms should I watch for?
- What if symptoms don't go away?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
- CDC: What to Do After a Mild TBI or Concussion
- CDC: What to Do After a Concussion
- CDC: Signs and Symptoms of Concussion
- MedlinePlus: Concussion
Last updated 2026-11-12.