Beyond the concussion

Guides, worksheets and next steps for concussion symptoms that last weeks or months

Most people feel better within a few weeks of a concussion. For some, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, brain fog or mood changes hang on for weeks or months. That is often called post concussion syndrome, or persistent concussion symptoms. This page brings together our 29 guides on it, written for people hurt in road crashes and the families who support them.

The guides cover what the condition is, when to get help right away, getting ready for appointments, handling symptoms day to day, driving, work and money, and family life. Many include worksheets, logs and scripts you can print. Start at the top, then come back as new questions come up.

Start here

A plain guide to the words you will hear, how long symptoms usually last, and where to go next.

Start herePost concussion syndrome after a car crash: a guide to your next stepsLearn the common terms, find the right article and plan your first weekRead the guidePost concussion syndrome after a car crash: what it is, how long it lasts and how it is diagnosedKnow what lingering concussion symptoms look like and what your care team checksRead the guide

When to get checked right away

Most lingering symptoms are not an emergency, but some changes need care the same day. Start here if anything feels new or worse.

Get emergency care right away

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room after a head injury if you have a headache that gets worse and does not go away, weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, convulsions or seizures, repeated vomiting, slurred speech or unusual behavior, or one pupil larger than the other. The same goes if you cannot recognize people or places, become confused, restless or agitated, pass out, look very drowsy or cannot be woken up. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988.

Start hereNew or worsening symptoms after a concussion: when to seek medical helpSort a new or changing symptom into 911, a call today or your next visitRead the guideConcussion and TBI red flag checklist after an accidentThe warning signs that can appear hours or days after a crashRead the guide

Appointments, tests and your care team

Get ready for follow up visits, bring the right information, and find the people and treatments that fit your symptoms.

Start hereStill having symptoms weeks after a concussion? How to prepare for a follow up visitDescribe lasting symptoms, show how daily life has changed and ask about next stepsRead the guideWhat to bring to a medical appointment for persistent concussion symptomsFill in a printable sheet with your symptoms, medicines, past care and questionsRead the guideWho can help with persistent concussion symptoms? Understanding your care teamLearn who treats each lingering symptom and how to ask for the referral you needRead the guideYour scan was normal, but you still feel unwell after a crash: questions to ask nextLearn what a clear scan rules out and which questions can guide your next visitRead the guideTreating post concussion syndrome: matching care to your symptomsFind care that fits each lingering symptom and learn how to tell if it is workingRead the guide

Living with day to day symptoms

Practical help for fatigue, brain fog, screens, dizziness, headaches, sleep, sensitivity to light and noise, and the ups and downs of recovery.

Start herePlanning your day when concussion symptoms leave you exhaustedSpot the tasks that drain you most and build a daily plan you can keepRead the guideManaging brain fog and forgetfulness after a car crashA one week plan to set up reminders, written steps and simple daily routinesRead the guideWhen reading and screens become difficult after a concussionTrack what makes reading and screens harder, plan your questions and test changesRead the guideDizziness after a concussion: preparing for evaluation and managing daily tasksTrack when dizziness strikes and find safer ways to walk, shop, travel and do choresRead the guideHeadaches after a car crash: what to record for your next appointmentKeep a short headache diary and bring clear questions about symptoms and treatmentRead the guideSleep problems after a concussion: what to discuss with your care teamTrack your nights for two weeks and bring clear questions about sleep careRead the guideWhen light, noise, and busy places feel overwhelming after a concussionTrack sensory triggers, plan what to say, and adjust home, work and outingsRead the guideGood days and difficult days during concussion recovery: how to track the bigger pictureUse a weekly tracking sheet and learn which trends to raise with your care teamRead the guide

Driving and getting around

How to decide about driving while symptoms linger, what to ask before you drive again, and how to get where you need to go in the meantime.

Start hereDriving with lingering concussion symptoms: a safety check before every tripHow to decide each day whether your symptoms allow a safe driveRead the guideReturning to driving after a concussion: questions to ask before you get behind the wheelHow driving readiness is assessed and what to ask at your next visitRead the guideGetting to appointments and managing errands when you cannot drivePlan rides, coordinate helpers and find local programs while you are not drivingRead the guide

Work, money and paperwork

Plan a return to work, protect your income, document your injury for a claim, and keep bills and forms under control.

Start hereReturning to work with persistent concussion symptomsGet ready to talk about duties, hours, screens, breaks and support at workRead the guideWorking with post concussion syndrome: returning to your job and protecting your incomePlan a gradual return, ask for changes at work and find income help while you healRead the guidePost concussion syndrome and your injury claim: documenting an injury no one can seeRecord lingering symptoms, prepare for insurer exams and meet claim deadlinesRead the guideOrganizing appointments, medical bills, and insurance paperwork when you have brain fogOne folder, a call log and a deadline table for crash bills, claims and visitsRead the guide

Feelings, family and support

Help for anxiety after a crash, words for explaining symptoms at home, and support for partners, caregivers, parents and anyone who feels alone.

Start hereConcussion symptoms and anxiety after a crash: getting help for bothHow to describe body and mood symptoms and get checked for both at onceRead the guideHow to explain persistent concussion symptoms to your familyScripts for every age, a family handout and clear requests that relatives can act onRead the guideSupporting a partner with persistent concussion symptomsWays to share the load, talk about changing needs and help without taking chargeRead the guideCaring for someone with persistent concussion symptoms without becoming overwhelmedShare the work, set fair limits and build a weekly help schedule for your familyRead the guideParenting while recovering from a concussionPlan school runs, meals and childcare, and ask for the help you need while you healRead the guideFinding support when concussion recovery feels lonelyHow to judge a support group, reconnect at your own pace and find local helpRead the guide

More support on this site

Memory practice and guides, plus a gentle check in that helps you describe how you are doing and find support.

Start hereMemory support and practicePractice, plain guides and next steps for memory after a concussion or brain injuryRead the guideRecovery compassA gentle check in that helps you describe how you are doing and explore support optionsRead the guide

These guides offer general education, not medical, legal or financial advice. Talk with your own care team about your symptoms, testing and treatment, and check official sources for rules where you live. In an emergency in the United States, call 911.

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