Each person recovers from a concussion differently. It is important to note that more than 80 percent of concussions resolve successfully within the first three weeks following an injury, if managed correctly. 

Factors like age, health prior to the concussion, severity of the concussion, and previous concussions can impact individual outcomes.

A small percentage of people with a concussion will experience symptoms lasting longer than six weeks, at which point they are likely diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. 

Post-Concussive Syndrome also known as Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS) is a compilation of physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional symptoms occurring after a head injury. These symptoms include a headache, fatigue, vision changes, disturbances in balance, confusion, dizziness, insomnia, psychiatric symptoms, and difficulty with concentration. 

Approximately fifteen percent of individuals with a concussion experience a recovery timeline that is 'longer than normal' or 'longer than expected'. 

No, a concussion does not show up in imaging brain scans. If you went to the emergency room following the suspicion of a concussion, you will still require a followup appointment with your physician. 

Multiple head injuries are when an individual has a second head injury before the first injury has healed completely. Similar to the first injury, loss of consciousness is not required to have a concussion again. The second impact can cause swelling, excess fluids or tissue shift inside the skull which can cause serious health issues. Repeat head injuries also slow down your recovery.

Second Impact Syndrome is a condition in which an individual experiences a second head injury before completely recovering from a prior head injury. Second Impact Syndrome has serious risks, it may lead to diffuse cerebral swelling, brain herniation and even death. 

Yes, You should continue eating a normal diet, as your body needs the energy to heal. It’s also important to stay hydrated. Refrain from caffeinated beverages, alcohol and ...

Nothing can prevent a concussion. Helmets were designed to guard against catastrophic brain injuries, not concussions. Mouth guards, although very good at protecting the mouth and teeth, do not lower the risk of concussions.

Neck-strengthening exercises may help reduce the chance of the head snapping forward or backward if s/he sustains a blow to the body.

Loss of Consciousness is not the only symptom of a concussion. In fact, very few athletes lose consciousness when they sustain a concussion. 

No, sleep is the best treatment for a concussion. It is okay to allow sleep without interruption the night of the injury after either evaluation by a healthcare profressional or if you have spoken with your child's physician and they do not believe further evaluation at the emergency department is necessary. 

CALL 911 AND GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF YOUR CHILD:

• Develops a Worsening Headache

• Is Unable to Recognize People/Places

• Has a Seizure (Uncontrolled Jerking of Arms/Legs)

• Appears Very Drowsy or is Unable to be Awakened

• Experiences any Weakness, Numbness, or Tingling in the Arms/Legs

• Displays Increased Confusion and/or Irritability

• Vomits Repeatedly

• Exhibits Unusual Behavior

• Loss of Consciousness

• Begins Slurring their Speech

• Losses of Balance/Unsteadiness on their Feet

• Has Drainage of Blood or Fluid from ears/nose

• Has a Change in Vision (Loss/Double/Blurry)

• Losses Control of their Bladder and/or Bowels

Relieving headache pain is certainly appropriate, but it does not replace the need for cognitive and physical rest if symptoms are present. Be aware that symptom improvement with medication does not mean that the brain has recovered. After a concussion is diagnosed, talk to your physician about the use of medication — including type of medication and dose — for headache pain and other symptoms.

CALL 911 AND GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF YOUR CHILD:

• Develops a Worsening Headache

• Is Unable to Recognize People/Places

• Has a Seizure (Uncontrolled Jerking of Arms/Legs)

• Appears Very Drowsy or is Unable to be Awakened

• Experiences any Weakness, Numbness, or Tingling in the Arms/Legs

• Displays Increased Confusion and/or Irritability

• Vomits Repeatedly

• Exhibits Unusual Behavior

• Loss of Consciousness

• Begins Slurring their Speech

• Losses of Balance/Unsteadiness on their Feet

• Has Drainage of Blood or Fluid from ears/nose

• Has a Change in Vision (Loss/Double/Blurry)

• Losses Control of their Bladder and/or Bowels

A concussion affects how the brain works, so resting the brain as much as possible is necessary for recovery. Large amounts of sleep are normal. When your child is sleeping, his/her brain is recovering. If it seems like an abnormally large amount of sleep, it is a good idea to track the amount your child is sleeping and report it to your medical professional.