Treating a concussion

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Usually, a few days of rest are enough to recover after a concussion. It is then a good idea to only gradually do more daily activities. Medication can be used to relieve headaches and nausea. Rehabilitation care and psychological treatment might help if the symptoms don't go away.

Concussions (mild traumatic brain injury) are usually caused by a fall, road traffic accident, or sporting injury. The brain is then damaged. The typical physical symptoms include headaches, dizziness and nausea. Short-term problems related to memory, orientation and thinking might also develop.

The symptoms usually go away after a few days or weeks. Physical and mental rest is important at first. Then you can slowly and gradually return to usual activities.

The symptoms may sometimes last longer as well. That can make everyday life difficult and be distressing. There are different ways of coping with and relieving the symptoms.

Is a hospital stay necessary?

It is often recommended to stay in hospital for observation for 24 hours after a concussion. That is mainly a preventive measure: If a rare complication like hemorrhage does develop, it can be treated quickly.

It is usually possible to go home if no complications develop during those 24 hours. It is recommended not to be at home alone in the first few days.

If the symptoms do not get better within a few days of the injury, or even get worse, it is important to go to hospital and find the root cause.

What course does recovery take?

There are usually two phases to recovery:

  • Rest (up to three days after injury): You should rest and get plenty of sleep in the first days after injury. Complete bed rest isn’t necessary, but it is important to avoid physical and mental strain. That also includes not using mobile phones and computers, and not watching TV.
  • Gradual return to normal activities (up to three months after injury): It is a good idea to gradually return to activities after the short rest phase. Whether school, work, housework, or exercise – you can increase physical and mental exercises step by step. It is important to listen to your body: Take breaks if you develop symptoms or they get worse. Light exercise like walking or slow cycling are suitable forms of sports activities at first. Exercises where the head is only moved a little are then possible afterwards. Experts recommend waiting for the symptoms to disappear completely before returning to contact sports like soccer and martial arts.

Which medications help with acute symptoms?

Medication can be taken in the short term to relieve acute symptoms like headache and nausea. Painkillers like paracetamol are available over the counter. Doctors can prescribe antiemetics to help prevent nausea and vomiting.

What can I do if the symptoms persist?

Some people still have symptoms for several weeks after concussion. They can include headache, nausea, , insomnia, listlessness, anxiety, irritability, and problems with concentration and memory. Persistent symptoms can restrict daily activities and also affect family and close friends.

Many people find ways to cope better with the symptoms, such as:

  • Rest: Regular breaks can help with and concentration problems.
  • Avoiding triggers: It can help to avoid or reduce certain activities, like not sitting at the computer for too long or listening to loud music.
  • Relaxation techniques: Some people try relaxation techniques like meditation to cope better with stress.
  • Structured daily life: Some people find it helps to clearly plan and structure their day. Daily or weekly plans might be suitable.

How can persistent symptoms be treated?

More persistent symptoms sometimes can’t be relieved with those kinds of changes. Various therapies like rehabilitation, physical therapy and psychological therapy might then be an option. It is best to talk to a doctor to find the best treatment for you. They can then refer you to a specialist practice for neurology, neuro-surgery, rehabilitation medicine, or psychiatry, or to a specialist hospital.

Studies have found pointers that the following treatments might help:

  • Physical therapy methods: These methods are used to treat persistent symptoms such as dizziness, headaches and neck pain. These can include light endurance training, and mobility and balance exercises.
  • Psychotherapy methods: Treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy are an option for treating problems like anxiety, irritability or listlessness.
  • Interdisciplinary approaches: Rehabilitation and psychological methods are often combined to relieve more persistent symptoms following a concussion.

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Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie (DGNC). Schädel-Hirn-Trauma im Erwachsenenalter (S2e-Leitlinie, in Überarbeitung). AWMF-Registernr.: 008-001. 2015.

Gänsslen A, Schmehl I. Leichtes Schädel-Hirn-Trauma im Sport. Handlungsempfehlungen. Bundesinstitut für Sportwissenschaft (BISp). 2015.

Gesellschaft für Neonatologie und pädiatrische Intensivmedizin e.V. (GNPI). Das Schädel-Hirn-Trauma im Kindes- und Jugendalter (S2k-Leitlinie). AWMF-Registernr.: 024-018. 2022.

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National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Head injury: assessment and early management (NICE Clinical Guidelines; No. 176). 2019.

Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF). Guideline for Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Prolonged Symptoms. Health Care Professionel Version, 3rd Ed. Adults 18+ years of age. 2018.

Pschyrembel Online. 2021.

Sarmiento K, Waltzman D, Lumba-Brown A et al. CDC Guideline on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Children: Important Practice Takeaways for Sports Medicine Providers. Clin J Sport Med 2020; 30(6): 612-615.

Sveen U, Søberg HL, Østensjø S. Biographical disruption, adjustment and reconstruction of everyday occupations and work participation after mild traumatic brain injury. A focus group study. Disabil Rehabil 2016; 38(23): 2296-2304.

Van Ierssel J, O'Neil J, Sveistrup H et al. A qualitative study of persons with persistent postconcussion symptoms and clinicians with concussion expertise to inform the development of a concussion-specific questionnaire. Disabil Rehabil 2021; 43(23): 3365-3376.

IQWiG health information is written with the aim of helping people understand the advantages and disadvantages of the main treatment options and health care services.

Because IQWiG is a German institute, some of the information provided here is specific to the German health care system. The suitability of any of the described options in an individual case can be determined by talking to a doctor. informedhealth.org can provide support for talks with doctors and other medical professionals, but cannot replace them. We do not offer individual consultations.

Our information is based on the results of good-quality studies. It is written by a team of health care professionals, scientists and editors, and reviewed by external experts. You can find a detailed description of how our health information is produced and updated in our methods.

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Created on November 16, 2022

Next planned update: 2025

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Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany)

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