After the first 24 to 48 hours, it is time to slowly return to normal. Take a look at "The Golden Rule of Recharging" on the right. You will notice that each time you want to move up a step (or charge up to the next level), you must have 24 hours of symptom-free time.
Your full recovery can take anywhere between 5 days and years.
This graphic simplifies the Return to School Protocol set out at the start of this module.
You should consult your doctor or medical professional throughout the process, and only move onto the next stage with their knowledge and consent.
At any point in your recovery concussion symptoms return, it is time to hit pause and rewind.
"Toughing it out" or "Pushing through it" is not a good idea. It will likely cause a setback in your post-concussion recovery.
Congratulations! You're concussion-free!
But not really.
As you will see in the "Warning Notifications," those pesky symptoms could come back. You could also be one of the unlucky ones that live with some symptoms for years.
There are also a number of studies that have linked concussions (or mTBIs) and TBIs with brain-related conditions such as Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, and poor brain function.
A gradual progress or step‑by‑step series of graphics demonstrating a safe return to school or physical activity
Things to consider:
How much time must you be symptom-free before moving onto the next stage of concussion recovery?
Is it a good idea to "tough it out" when dealing with a concussion?
Record your answer in your Student Workbook.