Recovery is different for everyone. Most people feel much better within 2 to 4 weeks. But, each concussion is different, so try not to compare yourself to others. For some people, some symptoms can last for a few months. Focus on how you can improve your symptoms. The strategies described later in this learning module can help.
Your recovery may be slower if:
- You have already had a concussion in the last 12 months.
- You have a lot of pain.
- You have depression or anxiety.
- You’re age 40 or older.
Recovery may also depend on how bad your injury was. To find this out, your doctor will ask you 2 things:
- Were you knocked out (unconscious)? Tell your healthcare provider the length of time you were unconscious. How long you were unconscious for can show how severe your injury may be.
- Do you remember what happened when you were injured? Post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) is when you can’t remember what happened around the time of an injury. If your memory loss lasted less than 1 hour, your injury was mild. You will likely make a full recovery.
Rest for the first 24 hours after a concussion. It's one of the best things to help your brain recover. After the first 24 to 48 hours, it is OK to resume your daily activities and exercise as tolerated. Learn more about caring for yourself after a concussion.
