How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

Written by Jiang Fang Shuai
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 05, 2024
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In clinical practice, we often see mild cases of concussion. After suffering from trauma, patients only show mild symptoms such as headache and dizziness, or may experience nausea. Some patients may not have any symptoms at all, and their recovery tends to be quick, often within two to three days, or even up to about 2 to 3 weeks to fully return to normal. However, for severe cases of concussion, symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting are more pronounced, and some patients may exhibit certain mental, psychological, and behavioral disorders. In these cases, hospitalization is usually required, and the recovery period can be quite lengthy, lasting for over a month, or even up to three months.

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Written by Jiang Fang Shuai
Neurosurgery
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Is a concussion dangerous?

Concussion is not a severe brain injury and there is no need for excessive worry; symptomatic supportive treatment is usually sufficient. Typically, rest is advised, along with a light diet, regular living habits, and abstaining from smoking and alcohol. If necessary, treatment may include neuro-nutritive medications and drugs to improve microcirculation. Generally, symptoms should subside within one to two weeks. It is important to note that concussions occur after head trauma, and there is a certain likelihood of re-bleeding within the first three days following the trauma. After three days, the possibility of intracranial hemorrhage becomes very very low. Therefore, post-concussion there is still some risk, and it is necessary to closely monitor any changes in the condition, potentially requiring hospitalization for observation and treatment.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How to identify a concussion

The first patient has a history of head trauma. The second patient's CT scan did not reveal any substantive changes in brain tissue. The third patient may exhibit some clinical symptoms, such as transient consciousness disorders, typically lasting no more than half an hour. There is also recent memory loss; the patient cannot recall the incident. Additionally, the patient experiences self-reported symptoms of dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, memory decline, and lack of concentration. With these medical histories, some CT scans, and symptoms, a concussion can be diagnosed.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Is a concussion scary?

Firstly, a concussion is the mildest form of brain injury, mainly characterized by transient consciousness disturbances, generally not lasting more than half an hour. The second characteristic is recent memory loss, with an inability to recall the circumstances of the injury. At the time of the injury, one may also experience pale complexion, blood pressure drop, and pupil constriction. After the injury, some patients may suffer from dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, tinnitus, lack of concentration, and memory decline, among other clinical symptoms. Patients with a concussion generally recover after 1-2 weeks of systematic treatment, and the majority of concussions are recoverable, so they are not as fearsome as believed.

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Written by Jiang Fang Shuai
Neurosurgery
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How to check for a concussion?

How is a concussion diagnosed? In fact, the diagnosis of a concussion is primarily based on clinical manifestations such as a clear history of head trauma, temporary confusion, and retrograde amnesia. Concussions can also undergo some routine examinations, such as CT scans of the head, X-rays of the head, electroencephalography, cerebral blood flow imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. However, these test results are usually negative, meaning that the diagnosis of a concussion mainly relies on clinical manifestations and there are no effective diagnostic tests.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Dietary considerations for mild concussion

Mild concussions usually do not show organic damage on a head CT; they are temporary functional dysfunctions of brain neural functions, typically manifesting as brief post-injury consciousness disturbances and retrograde amnesia. The diet for patients with mild concussions should avoid cold, raw, or strongly irritating foods, such as spicy dishes, and refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking. Their diet should primarily consist of light, easy-to-digest foods, high in protein and vitamins, but low in fat and sugar, including plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.