Diagnosis and treatment

If you suspect you have a concussion, you should see your physician as soon as possible. When you visit your doctor, some things that may be done to diagnose you include:

• Your physician will want to know details of your accident, specifically how it happened and where on the head the blow was sustained. Be sure to say if you lost consciousness and report any other symptoms.
• You may be asked questions to test your memory.
• You may be asked to perform tasks to demonstrate how well your brain is functioning.
• Your family or friends may also be asked about your symptoms and the details of your accident.
• A CT or MRI scan may be taken to get a better look at the brain.

Once you have been assessed and diagnosed, your doctor will create a treatment plan unique to you, based on your needs and the extent of your injury.

One important aspect of treating a concussion is allowing the brain to rest with plenty of sleep, naps and rest breaks throughout the day as needed. Your doctor will also recommend avoiding certain physical activities and sports until you are fully recovered.

About concussions

Concussion symptoms can last anywhere from less than a day to several months, or longer.

Although concussions sustained during contact sports are frequently seen, many concussions are the result of a trauma, including falls, motor vehicle injuries and assaults.

Children, young adults and older adults have a greater risk of concussion and may take longer to recover after a head injury.

Concussion facts

• Millions of traumatic brain injuries occur in the U.S. each year, but most don't require a visit to the hospital
• People who have had concussions before are more likely to have them again
• Loss of consciousness does not always happen with a concussion
• Even if your imaging tests come back clean, you may still have sustained a concussion
• Concussions can have serious effects on your home life, work, hobbies and other activities

Preventing concussion

You can take a number of steps to help reduce your risk for a concussion or prevent it in your children:

• Wear a seat belt every time you're in a motor vehicle
• Make sure your children use the proper safety seat, booster seat or seat belt
• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Wear a helmet for activities such as riding a bicycle or motorcycle, playing contact sports, skiing, horseback riding and snowboarding
• Reduce your risk for falls by eliminating clutter in your home, removing slippery area rugs, and installing grab bars in the bathroom if needed, especially for older adults

Managing concussion

Follow your doctor’s directions about avoiding sports, physical education classes, and activities such as running and bicycling while you are recovering. Returning to activities before you have been cleared to do so can cause second-impact syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal complication of concussion.

You should also limit activities that require you to concentrate heavily. This includes taking tests if you are in school or doing tasks at work that require intense focus. You may also need to take rest breaks during the day. As your symptoms go away, you may be able to go back to your normal activities.

If you have symptoms or problems that last more than three months, you may have a problem called post-concussion syndrome. Discuss this possibility with your doctor.

Concussion FAQs