How Long Can You Be Out With A Concussion?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A majority of people who have sustained a concussion will need to be sidelined for

at least seven to 10 days

, but in some cases, an individual could take several weeks to heal. CT scans and MRIs from concussion studies don't show structural changes, such as bleeding, in a concussion.

How long after a concussion are you safe?

Approximately 80 percent of concussions resolve over seven to 14 days, with an average of 10 days. People with concussions should never return to sports or other physical activity sooner

than one week

from sustaining the injury.

How long can you go without treating a concussion?

Concussive symptoms typically resolve in seven to 10 days (sports-related concussions) or

within three months (non-athletes)

(Epps and Allen, 2017). If symptoms don't resolve after three months, they probably won't go away without therapy.

How long can you walk around with a concussion?

“If they went 15 minutes and then felt a , we'll suggest they walk

10 or 12 minutes the next day

and see if that feels O.K.,” Dr. Leddy says. If so, they can try again for 15 minutes the following day. “Some symptoms,” such as a slight headache during the walk, “are not a problem,” he says.

How can I tell if a head injury is mild or severe?

  1. Mild head injury: Raised, swollen area from a bump or a bruise. Small, superficial (shallow) cut in the scalp. …
  2. Moderate to severe head injury (requires immediate medical attention)–symptoms may include any of the above plus: Loss of consciousness.

How do you know if your brain is bleeding after hitting your head?


Confusion

.

Unequal pupil size

.

Slurred speech

.

Loss of movement

(paralysis) on the opposite side of the body from the head injury.

Is it OK to go for a walk with a concussion?

Activities that you could participate in include going for walks, spending some time outside, and light reading. As long as the activities you are participating in are not causing an increase in symptoms and they do not put you at risk for another concussion,

they are most likely okay to do

.

Does walking help concussion?


Moderate physical activity within

the first week of a concussion, even on the first or second day, actually speeds recovery time and lessens the chances of developing post-concussion syndrome.

Can I go on a walk with a concussion?

Activities that you could participate in include going for walks, spending some time outside, and light reading. As long as the activities you are participating in are not causing an increase in symptoms and they do not put you at risk for another concussion,

they are most likely okay to do

.

How long does head hurt after hitting it?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, violent jolt or blow to your head. Anyone from infants to the elderly can get a concussion. Headache is the most common symptom. Most symptoms resolve

within 14 to 21 days

.

What are the symptoms of a slow brain bleed?

  • Head pain.
  • Neck or back pain.
  • Neck stiffness.
  • Vision changes.
  • Photophobia.
  • Weakness on one side of the face or body.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Lethargy.

What are 3 symptoms of a concussion?

  • Headache or “pressure” in head.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.
  • Bothered by light or noise.
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.
  • Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.
  • Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”.

Can I sleep if I hit my head?

Most medical professionals say

it is fine

—sometimes even advised—to let people sleep after incurring a head injury. The American Academy of Family Physicians states it is not necessary to keep a person awake after a head injury.

Should I go to hospital if I hit my head?

Someone with a head injury needs to

go to the hospital's emergency department (A&E)

as soon as possible if anything in the box below applies. This should be by ambulance if needed. Unconsciousness or lack of full consciousness, even if the person has now recovered. Any clear fluid running from the ears or nose.

How do I know if my head injury is serious?

  1. Have a headache that gets worse and does not go away.
  2. Experience weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, convulsions, or seizures.
  3. Vomit repeatedly.
  4. Have slurred speech or unusual behavior.

How can I speed up my concussion recovery?

  1. Reduce screen time. …
  2. Limit exposure to bright lights and loud sounds. …
  3. Avoid unnecessary movement of your head and neck. …
  4. Stay hydrated. …
  5. Rest. …
  6. Eat more protein. …
  7. Eat foods rich in omega-3s. …
  8. Eat foods with lots of antioxidants.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.