You or someone you care about just hit their head. Maybe it was during a game, a fall, a car accident — or something seemingly minor like bumping into a cabinet. Now you’re wondering: Is it a concussion? And what do I do next?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do immediately after a suspected concussion, how to monitor symptoms, when to seek medical attention, and what to avoid so you don’t make things worse.
Step 1: Remove From Activity Immediately
If a concussion is suspected, the very first step is removal from play or high-risk activity. Continuing to play — even “just for a few minutes” — can significantly increase the risk of a more serious brain injury, especially if a second impact occurs.
Even if the person seems okay at first, symptoms can be delayed. A cautious approach is always the best one.
Step 2: Monitor Closely for the First 24–48 Hours
The brain is in a vulnerable state after injury. During the first two days, keep a close eye out for any signs of worsening symptoms, including:
- Severe or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Increasing confusion, slurred speech, or unusual behavior
- Unequal pupils or weakness in the limbs
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
If any of these appear, go straight to the emergency room.
Otherwise, keep the person comfortable and supervised. It’s a common myth that you can’t let someone with a concussion sleep — you can. But check in periodically to ensure they’re resting normally and can be easily woken.
Step 3: Light Rest — But Not Total Isolation
It used to be that concussion patients were told to lie in a dark room and do nothing. But we now know that prolonged isolation and rest can actually slow recovery.
For the first 24–48 hours, encourage reduced stimulation — limit screens, bright lights, loud environments — but don’t eliminate activity altogether. Light walking, gentle movement, and short periods of reading or quiet conversation are okay, as long as they don’t worsen symptoms.
Step 4: Book an Appointment With a Concussion-Trained Provider
Research consistently shows that early intervention — within the first few days — can cut recovery time significantly. A trained clinician will evaluate:
- The severity of the injury
- Visual and vestibular function
- Neck involvement
- Risk of developing persistent symptoms
They’ll also help develop a personalized plan that includes guidance on school or work return, physical activity, and gradual symptom reintroduction.
🏥 Find a Certified Concussion Clinic Near You
What NOT to Do After a Concussion
- ❌ Don’t return to sports, school, or intense work right away
- ❌ Don’t rely only on symptoms to guide recovery
- ❌ Don’t take medications like ibuprofen or aspirin in the first few hours (they can increase bleeding risk)
- ❌ Don’t skip assessment — even if symptoms seem mild
How Long Does Recovery Take?
For most adults, symptoms improve within 7–10 days. Children and teens may take up to 4 weeks. But recovery timelines vary based on:
- How soon the injury is recognized
- Whether the person rests appropriately (but not excessively)
- Pre-existing health factors like anxiety, migraines, or neck issues
The most important factor? Seeing a trained provider as early as possible.