Brain & Nervous System Head Trauma Concussions How Long Does a Concussion Last? By Yvelette Stines Yvelette Stines LinkedIn Yvelette Stines, MS, MEd, is an author, writer, and communications specialist specializing in health and wellness. Learn about our editorial process Published on June 16, 2021 Medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD Medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Huma Sheikh, MD, is a board-certified neurologist, specializing in migraine and stroke, and affiliated with Mount Sinai of New York. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Types of Concussions Danger Signs Returning to Normal Activity Concussion Protocol Tips for Healing Things to Avoid Frequently Asked Questions Depending on the severity of the concussion, there is a loss of normal brain function, and the effects from a concussion can last for days, weeks, or longer. The length of a concussion also depends on what subtype of concussion a person has. This article discusses how long concussions can last. Verywell / Michela Buttignol Types of Concussions There are five grades of concussions, which are grouped according to symptoms. The following explains the grades and symptoms: Grade 0: An individual has difficulty concentrating or has a headache.Grade 1: The concentration and headache continue, along with a dazed feeling that lasts for a minute or less.Grade 2: The dazed feeling lasts longer than a minute, and there may be amnesia, confusion, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and/or irritability. Grade 3: There is a loss of consciousness for a minute or less.Grade 4: The loss of consciousness is a minute or longer. Along with the grades of a concussion, there are particular subtypes that have treatment options: Cognitive: The symptoms include impaired reaction with memory and attention issues. The treatment is a neuropsychological assessment and follow-up.Ocular-motor: The symptoms include eye pain, difficulty judging distances, sensitivity to light, headache, eye strain, problems focusing, and blurred or double vision. The treatment includes vision training with an optometrist.Headache/migraine: The symptoms include sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, as well as nausea and vomiting. The treatment includes headache management.Vestibular: The symptoms include lightheadedness, nausea, fogginess, dizziness, disequilibrium, and vertigo. The treatment includes vestibular-ocular training with a physical therapist.Anxiety/mood: The symptoms include sadness, irritability, fatigue, feeling overwhelmed, and a feeling of hopelessness. The treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling. Danger Signs If an individual has a concussion or symptoms that last for several weeks, it is important to see a healthcare provider. If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately: SeizuresLoss of consciousnessInability to wake upRepeated vomitingContinuous nauseaHeadache gets worse over time or doesn’t go awayHistory of numerous concussionsSymptoms that are worse or not improved after 10-14 days Returning to Normal Activity When a person has a concussion, physical and mental rest is ideal. It is natural to need more rest and sleep than usual, however research has shown that too much mental rest can extend the recovery period and make the return to normal activities more difficult. It is recommended to start engaging in activities slowly. As a person starts to engage in activities, if symptoms of the concussion appear, it is time to rest and limit activities that worsen the symptoms. Regular activities that a person participated in before the injury should begin when they can be tolerated. If there is a high concussion grade, the activities should be avoided for the first two weeks. A healthcare provider will consider both the physical and cognitive activities before allowing a person to participate. Ease Back Into Activities Symptoms can worsen if an individual returns to their normal activities too soon. Returning to Sports If an individual is an athlete, research has shown that if the concussion symptoms are improving each day, they can begin to start adding cardiovascular activities that are low level. These activities include: WalkingBiking on a stationary bike As improvement continues, the athlete can increase the activity level with the help of a physical trainer who can determine how much the athlete can tolerate when it comes to returning to sports and exercising. For student-athletes, they can return to their activities when they are: 100% symptom-free at rest100% symptom-free with normal mental activity100% symptom-free with exerciseNo longer taking any medications for concussion symptomsFully back to school and able to tolerate schoolworkHave a physical exam and balance test that are within normal limitsHave been cleared for play by a healthcare provider trained in evaluating and managing concussions Concussion Protocol Concussion protocols are procedures and policies from an organization that is required to care for an individual who has a head injury. The organization’s healthcare providers are the people who make sure the protocol is followed properly. Other professionals and individuals that could be involved include: TrainersCounselorsTeachersParentsSchool nursesRehabilitation specialists This protocol is typically associated with an injury from sports. Passing Baseline Tests and No Symptoms The purpose of baseline testing is to assess an athlete’s brain and balance function. This includes: Memory skillsHow long the person can concentrateHow quickly they can solve problems and think This testing also includes an examination to check for the presence of concussion symptoms. Stretching and Balance Training During this phase, the athlete can participate in aerobic exercise to increase the heart rate. They cannot lift weights at this time. Activities include: Light joggingWalkingRiding on an exercise bike Training Mimicking Sports This phase allows the athlete to increase activity and the heart rate. Moderate movements are allowed, including: JoggingBrief runningModerate-intensity stationary bikingWeightlifting When reintroducing weightlifting, it should be less weight and time from the typical routine. Contact-Free Drills This phase allows the athlete to participate in: Sprinting/runningTheir regular weightlifting routineStationary biking During this time, the athlete can participate in three planes of movement/non-contact sport-specific drills. Cleared by a Neurologist Once the athlete is cleared by a neurologist, they can return to regular activity. Tips for Healing When healing from a concussion, it is important to follow the plan that your healthcare provider has shared. The first thing is mental and physical rest. Learn the activities that may trigger the concussion symptoms. With each activity, start slowly. If there is difficulty, limit the activity that makes symptoms worse. Things to Avoid As an individual is recovering from a concussion, it is important to rest and heal. Avoid: Intense movementsWatching televisionListening to loud musicTextingReadingTaking a trip on an airplaneUsing the telephoneDrinking alcohol If there are any questions regarding activities to avoid, contact your healthcare provider. Frequently Asked Questions What does a concussion feel like? Depending on the severity, a concussion feels like a headache or pressure in the head. What are the symptoms of a concussion? Some of the symptoms include: ConfusionDizzinessNauseaVomitingHeadacheChanges in sleep patternSensitivity to lightTiredness Why can’t you sleep after a concussion? Although physical and mental rest is important to heal from a concussion, research has shown that too much rest could make a patient sensitive to activities that they are used to doing. 6 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Pointers Health Service. Head injuries/concussions. Stanford University Magazine. The five types of concussions. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Concussion. Cleveland Clinic. Concussion. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention. FAQs about baseline testing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recovery from a concussion. By Yvelette Stines Yvelette Stines, MS, MEd, is an author, writer, and communications specialist specializing in health and wellness. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit