Every concussion is different, including recovery time. Concussive symptoms can include headaches, sensitivity to light, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, ringing in the ears and irritability.

For most, these symptoms will last 10 to 14 days. However, for some concussions, this can progress to more prolonged persisting symptoms which can last as long as a year. As a general rule of thumb, you can resume your normal activities once they no longer trigger symptoms, but athletes will require a monitored return-to-play protocol before they return to full unrestricted sport activity.

At the end of the day, no matter how significant your concussion, rest, modified activity and light exercise is the best form of treatment. That means powering down the cellphone, work emails and even text messages for a couple of days. Your physician may suggest modifying how much you do at school or work while your brain recovers. For those who initially rest and adjust their cognitive and physical activities, the length of recovery can be shorter.

If symptoms persist, call your physician right away. Learn more about concussions, symptoms and recovery.

– Brian M. Babka, MD, FACSM, Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group, Orthopaedics Sports Medicine specialist