How Long Do the Symptoms of a Concussion Last?

How Long Do the Symptoms of a Concussion Last?

A concussion is a mild but traumatic brain injury and can occur after receiving a blow to the head. It can also result from sudden movement or violent head shaking. It is a common misconception that you must lose consciousness to have a concussion but that is simply not the case.

It is possible to go through persistent post-concussive symptoms from a mild injury to the head. At times, the severity of the injury does not seem to affect whether you have concussion symptoms or not. You may start noticing the signs in the first seven to 10 days. They usually go away in three months, but sometimes they can be constant for a year.

What are the Symptoms of a Concussion?

When you get a concussion, you may experience various symptoms. It will depend on the severity of the concussion. The symptoms you should expect to have are:
 

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Insomnia

• Ringing in the ears

• Loss of memory

• Trouble concentrating

• Blurry vision

• Fatigue

• Migraines

• Dizziness

• Sensitivity to light and noise

• A decrease in smell and taste

The migraines you experience after a concussion can fluctuate. They may be tension-type migraines that are most associated with neck injuries.

When Should I See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if:
 

• You are restless, agitated, or continually confused.

• Your behavior is strongly out of the ordinary, making illogical statements, or making decisions impulsively.

• One pupil appears bigger than the other.

• You have trouble remembering places and people.

• You are increasingly drowsy or having difficulty waking up.

• You have seizures or convulsions, or you lose consciousness.

These symptoms show that you have a severe brain injury. You should immediately see a doctor if you present these symptoms.

What are the Different Types of Concussions?

You can grade concussions on the severity of the symptoms they cause.
 

Grade 0 - Difficulty concentrating and headaches.
 

Grade 1 - Difficulty concentrating, short episodes of feeling dazed, and headaches.
 

Grade 2 - Symptoms from grade 1 with longer periods of feeling dazed. It can come with confusion, dizziness, ringing in the ears, amnesia, and irritability.
 

Grade 3 - Losing consciousness for less than a minute.
 

Grade 4 - Losing consciousness for more than a minute.

What Should I Do When I Have a Concussion?

You should see a doctor immediately to get treatment and get a good amount of rest for recovery. When you have headaches, you should apply ice packs. Make sure you are around family or friends for the first two days after you get the concussion.

Take your medications as directed by the doctor. You should eat light but healthy; this will help if you feel nauseous. Make sure you plan to see your doctor for a follow-up appointment.

For more on how long the symptoms of a concussion last, visit Bernstein Center for Visual Performance at our office in White Plains, New York. You can call (914) 682-8886 to schedule an appointment today.