Concussion Recovery Journey
Navigating the path to recovery from a concussion requires an understanding of the variations in injury severity and recovery times. Here is a breakdown of the stages of recovery people go through:
1. Recognise - Remove -
Re-evaluate
Early recognition and removal from risk are vital. If there is any suspicion of a concussion, the principle of "If in doubt, sit them out" should be followed. After recognising a potential concussion and removing the individual from further risk, re-evaluation by a medical professional experienced in concussion assessment is essential.
There are a number of red flags to watch out for - you can find more information on these here:
2. Rest
The resting phase typically lasts for 24-48 hours post-injury, is crucial to allow the brain time to recover. This means avoiding physical and cognitive exertion, including sports, schoolwork, and screen time. Light physical activity, such as walking, is encouraged in this period, as long as it does not exacerbate symptoms. Resting longer than 24-48 hours is not encouraged and does not promote improved recovery times.
3. Rehabilitation
While many recovery naturally withing 10-14 days (4 weeks in children), some may need specialised rehabilitation. This may involve addressing dysfunction in areas like the vestibular system, cervical spine, vision, sleep, and headache management. A tailored multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach is often necessary. This phase includes gradual re-introduction to daily activities within the limits of symptoms.
4. Recovery
Unfortunately, approximately 15% of individuals experience ongoing symptoms at 3 months post-concussion. Risk factors for delayed recovery include: severity of initial symptoms, headaches, depression, previous concussion history, development of noise or sound sensitivity, or significant. Here at Advanced Vestibular Clinics, we are able to work with you to help to improve any persisting concussion symptoms and get you back on the path to recovery.
5. Return to Learn
Returning to school and learning should be gradual, involving brain rest, gentle exercise, limited screen time, and modified activities based on symptom tolerance. Any symptom worsening requires activity reduction.
6. Return to Sport
Children should only return to sport after they have successfully returned to school and should not return to any contact or collision activities until full resolution of symptoms for at least 2 weeks. Returning to sport follows a structured and graded progression to ensure safety and minimise symptom recurrence. If symptoms recur at any stage, activity should be reduced until symptoms resolve. Our team at Advanced Vestibular Clinics are dedicated to supporting you throughout your concussion recovery journey. Please reach our if you have any concerns or questions.
