Healing From a Concussion: How to Support Your Brain’s Recovery
Healing From a Concussion: How to Support Your Brain’s Recovery
A hard blow can leave your head spinning—and may result in a concussion. Concussions affect how the brain functions and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may not appear right away, and recovery can vary widely from person to person.
“Symptoms such as headache, problems with attention, or sensitivity to light may resolve within hours or days for one person and linger for weeks or even months for another,” says Dhaval Pau, MD, a neurointensivist at University of Utah Health’s Clinical Neurosciences Center.
If you think you have a concussion, it’s important to get evaluated. A health care provider can assess your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
The Do’s and Don’ts to Heal Your Brain
1. Prioritize rest
For the first day or two, take it easy.
- Limit activities that worsen symptoms. This includes both physical exertion and mentally demanding tasks, such as those that require concentration or complex multitasking, according to Pau.
- Dim the lights (but not too dark) and reduce your screen time. Consider shifting your phone to night mode, which uses less blue light.
- Stay hydrated. Include electrolyte-rich liquids to help restore the chemical balance of your brain cells. Avoid alcohol.
2. Return to activities slowly
When symptoms improve, get back in your routine but take it slow.
- Start with light activities, such as short walks, limited schoolwork, or brief work sessions.
- Take regular breaks and don’t overdo it. If symptoms flare up, ease back until they lessen.
- Check with your doctor to determine when it’s safe to resume high-risk activities, such as driving, sports, or operating heavy machinery.
Remember: Recovery timelines vary. Focus on whether your symptoms are steadily decreasing instead of how long it’s been since your injury.
3. Don’t get stuck in idle
Don’t isolate yourself in a dark room for days at a time. This approach can extend a concussion.
“Prolonged inactivity is not considered beneficial for most patients,” Pau says. Resume activities as soon as you can handle them for more consistent and sustained healing.
4. Know when to seek medical care
Ignoring symptoms and pushing through a concussion can delay healing. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen, persist longer than expected, or interfere with daily life.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these red flags:
- Worsening headaches
- Severe neck pain
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Increasing weakness
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty remembering familiar people or places
- Increased confusion or irritability
- Unusual behavior or personality changes
- Continued loss of consciousness
- Worsening numbness or tingling
- Seizures
Pau cautions that resuming full activity before the brain heals increases the risk of prolonged symptoms and repeat concussions.
Special Consideration for Children and Athletes
Children and youth often take longer to recover from a concussion. Young athletes also face greater risks of complications if they resume sports too soon.
“Because younger brains are still developing,” Pau says, “repeat injuries during the recovery period can have more serious consequences.”
Research also suggests that female athletes take longer to recover and may experience worse symptoms. All athletes should resume sports under a doctor’s supervision.
“Athletes should never return to play on the day of injury,” Pau warns, “and clearance from a qualified health care provider is required before resuming contact or high-risk activities.”
Once cleared, athletes should try activities in their sport one at a time per a structured progression.
Parents, caregivers, educators, and coaches can support safe and sustained healing from a concussion in the following ways:
- Foster open communication about symptoms
- Adjust academic or athletic expectations
- Encourage gradual increases in activity
- Emphasize long-term health over short-term performance
- Watch for concerning changes
Don’t let a concussion knock you for a loop. Take it slow but steady for a safe recovery and a healthy brain.
