Concussion Care

Most concussion symptoms improve within one to three weeks, and many people feel back to normal within seven to ten days. Some athletes, especially those with a history of prior concussions, migraines, or certain other conditions, take longer to fully recover. If symptoms last more than a few weeks, it's worth being evaluated to rule out post-concussion syndrome or another underlying issue.

Symptoms often show up right away, but they can also take several hours — or even a day or two — to fully develop. This is one reason athletes should be monitored closely after any hit to the head, even if they seem fine immediately afterward, and re-evaluated if new symptoms appear later.

Yes. The old advice to keep someone awake after a concussion is outdated — rest, including sleep, is now considered an important part of recovery. The key is making sure a medical professional has evaluated the injury first and ruled out more serious complications like a skull fracture or bleeding. Once cleared, it's safe to let the person sleep normally, though caregivers should still watch for worsening symptoms in the first day or two.

Yes. A concussion happens when the brain moves or twists rapidly inside the skull, which can occur from a hard hit to the body that jars the head — even without direct contact. This is common in sports involving sudden stops, collisions, or whiplash-type movements.

There's no set number that applies to everyone. Each concussion carries some risk of longer recovery and, in repeated cases, potential long-term effects on brain health. Athletes with multiple concussions — or concussions that keep taking longer to resolve — should talk with a provider about whether continuing to play is safe for them individually.