How Long Will My Concussion Last?

Question by Freddy: How long will my concussion last?
Hi I’m 15 and I got a concussion yesterday. I was playing football yesterday and I was returning the football and I got hit on the back of my head. I still remember everything and I wasn’t unconscious. I feel dizzy, but not to the point where I can’t concentrate. I was viewed by one of the trainers at my school and he said it looks like you have a mild concussion, because he tested me and I was able to walk. I didn’t feel any pain when I got hit but I have headaches now and severe ones every now and then. I went to bed taking Advil after the game and slept over 14 hours. I’m going to a doctor later today and I was wondering if anyone would know how bad is my concussion is. How long will it take me to have full ability again and able to play football?

Best answer:

Answer by jannsody
I am glad that you’re going to see your doctor later on today, especially if you’re having headaches which can be severe. I’m not sure when playing football is a good idea after a concussion. It may vary with the type and severity of the injury. No two concussions are the same. Please do *not* push yourself as it can result in worsening the symptoms from the injury.

The “centers for disease control” has more general information re: (regarding) concussions and football (though *not* in place of medical advice from your family doctor or neurologist – the latter specializes in conditions of the brain, spinal cord and nerves): http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/pdf/Football_Fact_Sheet_Coaches-a.pdf

It is crucial that you keep the appointment with your doctor today as he or she may want to send you for a cat (computerized axial tomography) scan of your head to make sure that no bleeding is occurring.

For those with continued issues as a result of a head or brain injury, “cognitive (thought processes) therapy/rehab” may help regarding difficulties with memory, concentration, focusing, understanding (processing information) or such. Cognitive therapy is *not* a cure-all/panacea, but it can help to improve those with cognitive issues. (Just an fyi that either a licensed speech-language pathologist (slp) or licensed neuropsychologist can administer cognitive therapy.)

I don’t mean to get ahead of myself, but if having continued issues from the head injury, the “brain injury association of america” has more general information and resources. There may be a local support group for survivors of a head injury, too (however, the site is *not* in place of advice from your doctor): http://www.biausa.org/ and can click “Find BIA in Your State” or such.

Answer by Rachel
Keep This Doctor Appointment,Injuries To The Head Should Always Be Taken Seriously!

When I Had My Concussion- Collision During A Hockey Game- My Doctor Reffered Me To A Concussion Clinic At A Local Hospital. They Do Cognitive/Memory Tests Beforehand, You See A Concussion/Head Injury Specialist, Physical Therapy/Physical Tests, Then At The End Of The Program You Take The CognitivE Tests Again.

The Doctor ShouLd Be Able To Give You An Estimate On When You Can Return To Physical Activity, IT couLd BE Weeks Or Months, Depending.On Severity.

Once You Recieve A Concussion, You Are More Prone To.Them In The Future, Maybe Wearing A Helmet Is A Good Idea!

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