Your first few weeks after a concussion from a crash
Emergency care and brain injury rehab experts on early recovery
A blow to the head or a hard jolt in a crash can cause a concussion. Headaches, dizziness and fatigue may follow. You might also notice trouble focusing, changes in sleep, or light and noise bothering you more. Losing consciousness isn’t required to have a concussion. These symptoms can blur together with pain, stress, side effects of medicine and other injuries. A follow up plan helps sort out each problem and track how you’re healing. [1, 2]
Rest a little, then ease back in steps
For the first day or two, when symptoms are at their worst, rest. After that, try something light, like a short walk. Slowly add back everyday tasks. [1]
If something clearly makes your symptoms worse, cut back how long or how hard you do it. Try again later. Steer clear of any further blow to the head while you heal. Ask for written advice on work, school, exercise and driving, especially if you feel slower to focus or react. [1]
Turn your symptoms into a record your doctor can use
Keep a short log of your sleep, headaches, dizziness and focus. Note which activities set off symptoms, and bring the log to your follow up visit. Ask which medicines are safe alongside your other injuries. Call your doctor if symptoms aren’t improving after two to three weeks, or if they flare when you return to activities. Some people get better results with help aimed at balance, vision, headaches, sleep or mood. [1]
Warning signs of a more serious brain injury
Get emergency care for a headache that gets worse and won’t go away. Repeated vomiting, a seizure, or new weakness or numbness also call for emergency care. So do slurred speech, strange behavior and growing confusion. Someone who becomes very drowsy or can’t be woken up needs emergency help. These signs can point to a more serious brain injury. [2]
Questions about getting back to your routine
- When can I drive and go back to work?
- Which symptoms should a specialist check?
- Who do I call if my recovery stalls?
Book the follow up before your full schedule returns
Set up your follow up visit before you go back to your full routine. Bring a short log of your symptoms and activities. [1]
Sources and further reading
Written as general education, drawing on emergency care and brain injury rehab. A concussion is a brain injury. Follow the discharge instructions you were given, and get emergency care for any new danger sign.
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