However, clinicians could not always agree on what defined each severity level.
Sometimes, concussions are defined by where they cause the most symptoms.
A cervical concussion puts pressure on the neck or spinal cord and may cause headaches.
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Here are the symptoms distinguishing a mild TBI from a moderate to severe one.
Contact a healthcare provider if new symptoms emerge, such as headaches, new concentration problems, or dizziness.
When in doubt, seek medical care.
How Long Does a Concussion Last?
Most people who have had a concussion feel better after a few weeks.
A mild, one-time concussion does not typically cause permanent damage.
There could be permanent effects if a second concussion occurs shortly after the first.
A healthcare provider may diagnose post-concussion syndrome after one to two months of persistent symptoms.
An estimated 10% of high school athletes with a concussion will experiencepost-concussion syndrome.
The percentage of post-concussion syndrome among other populations ranges from 5% to 30%.
This covers questions about symptoms, memory, balance, and coordination.
The provider will also ask about concussion-related symptoms.
For children, rest will include taking time off from school and sports.
Sleep During Concussion Recovery
Sleepis an essential part of concussion recovery.
Having a concussion may affect your ability to fall and stay asleep.
You should spend the first day or two after a concussion resting.
It’s normal to experience some concussion symptoms during this phase.
Newer research recommends that some exercise during the recovery phase instead of complete rest may aid in concussion recovery.
Talk to your healthcare provider before introducing exercise after a concussion.
Work closely with a healthcare provider to determine your concussion recovery timeline.
This includes using “guardian caps,” mushroom-shaped padded coverings over helmets during practices.
Working with a healthcare provider and following any guidelines during concussion recovery is important.
Having multiple concussions can raise the risk of longer-term effects.
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U.S. National Library of Medicine.Traumatic brain injury.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of concussion.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Sports-related head injury.
Beaumont Health.What to expect after a concussion.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What to do after a concussion.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Concussion.
Concussion Legacy Foundation.What is post-concussion syndrome?
Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery.Diagnosing and treating concussion.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Managing return to activities.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.How to sleep with a concussion.
University of Michigan Health.Concussion treatment and recovery.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About repeated head impacts.
