Initial Management of Concussion

How will I feel after I have had a concussion?

Concussion symptoms can appear right away or even days after your injury. Symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even longer. Some people may have only one symptom and others may have many. Concussions can affect how you think, feel, and behave.

What can concussion recovery look like?

The first few days: It is important to rest and only do light activities during the first 24-48 hours after your injury. After this, you should start to gradually increase your activity levels as your symptoms allow. Remember to:

• Take care of basic needs by eating well, getting regular sleep, and managing stress. Avoid drinks such as coffee and alcohol. Do not use drugs (e.g., marijuana) that are not prescribed to you.
• Only take medications that your doctor has approved.
• Limit your use of electronic devices, and avoid any activity that could lead to another concussion or cause your symptoms to get worse.

During this time, you should also begin your management plan (see below). You should track your symptoms and plan to follow-up with your primary health care provider

What can concussion recovery look like?

The first week: Gradually go back to activities that do not cause symptoms to get worse. It is important to see your primary healthcare provider again if symptoms get worse. They will give you ways to help increase your activity levels and maximize your recovery.

Follow up: Your primary healthcare provider should see you 1 to 2 weeks after your injury to track your symptoms and make sure your recovery is going as planned. You may need to see other healthcare providers who specialize in treating concussion to help manage specific symptoms.

How long does it take to recover?

Concussion treatment and recovery is different for every patient. Most people who experience a concussion make a full recovery within a few days or weeks. For some it may take longer. When symptoms last longer than 1 month, they are referred to as prolonged symptoms . Patients who have prolonged symptoms may need to see other specialists. Your healthcare provider will monitor your symptoms to determine which treatment will be best for you.

Can I drive after a concussion?

After a concussion, symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive problems, and headache can affect your driving. It is important that you do not start to drive again until these symptoms are low enough to allow you to drive safely. If you are unsure about when to return to driving, talk to your primary healthcare provider.

How to use a management plan

If you are diagnosed with a concussion, your primary healthcare provider should give you a management plan to help your recovery. This management plan is just for you and based on your symptoms and any test results. It is a good idea for you to share this with your support person so they can help you check your symptoms and recovery progress.

The management plan should include information about the following:

• The recovery process and realistic expectations
• Possible symptoms and how to manage, monitor, and prevent them
• How to recognize complications
• What you can do to manage stress
• How to safely and carefully increase your activity level (within your threshold)
• How to get back to life activities (returnto- work/school, return-to play, daily living activities)

Your healthcare provider should explain this information to you as well as provide you with written information that you can understand.