Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is a Concussion?Short-Term EffectsLong-Term EffectsPreventing Long-Term InjuryWhen to See a DoctorFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is a Concussion?
Short-Term Effects
Long-Term Effects
Preventing Long-Term Injury
When to See a Doctor
Frequently Asked Questions
Concussions typically are mild traumatic brain injuries that occur after a fall or a blow to the head. In most cases, they are not life-threatening and a single concussion won’t cause permanent brain damage.Although most symptoms of a concussion will resolve within a few weeks, some effects are chronic and can result in a condition called post-concussion syndrome.
A concussion, also known astraumatic brain injury (TBI), is the result of trauma to the brain due to force applied to the head. The sudden jerking motions of the head and neck resulting from trauma cause the brain to twist and bounce inside the skull, immediately damaging its cells and surrounding structures.Though concussion is not as severe as other forms of TBI, and the symptoms are typically not life-threatening, except in extremely rare cases.
When you have long-term effects of a concussion—those that persist for more than three weeks—you have what’s clinically known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). PCS is the result of inflammation, altered blood flow, and disrupted brain cell structures due to the original injury.
The common effects of a concussion typically arise minutes to hours after the blow or fall. In general, they last about two to three weeks before resolving on their own. These short-term symptoms include:
With infants or toddlers, it’s especially important to be vigilant about injuries. Don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician or get emergency help after a fall or suspected head injury.
The longer-term effects of concussion, which typically last after immediate symptoms have receded, arise quickly after the onset of the concussion (just like the shorter acting ones). These symptoms include:
Most people who experience a concussion won’t have long-term symptoms, but the chances of developing them increase if you have had a concussion or another type of TBI in the past. One severe condition—an inflammation of the brain called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)—is associated with repeated head impacts of sufficient force (which may not reach the level of a concussion).
Can concussion be fatal?Though occurrences are extremely rare, certain concussions can cause death. Of particular concern are bleeding in the brain or swelling (cerebraledema), especially within the first 24–48 hours.If untreated, these cases can be fatal, which is why careful monitoring is required immediately after a head trauma.
Can concussion be fatal?
Though occurrences are extremely rare, certain concussions can cause death. Of particular concern are bleeding in the brain or swelling (cerebraledema), especially within the first 24–48 hours.If untreated, these cases can be fatal, which is why careful monitoring is required immediately after a head trauma.
The key to preventing long-term problems and post-concussion syndrome is timely and proper care. Even if you (or a loved one) don’t require emergency care, the best thing you can do is to get medical attention within one to two days of the accident or fall.
Ways to prevent concussion include:
By far the most important prevention tool is careful and exact adherence topost-concussion protocols. Reinjury of the brain before it’s fully recovered greatly increases the risk of chronic symptoms, permanent damage, and post-concussion syndrome. According to these conventions, athletes must stay away from activity until:
Caution should always be heeded with concussion. While most people will fully recover, problems can arise if the recovery period is rushed and parts of the brain that are still healing become injured again.
Given how critical it is to get timely treatment for concussions, it’s absolutely essential to know what the signs are for when to see a doctor or get emergency help following a collision or fall. For adults, the criteria are:
When it comes to concussion, don’t hesitate and don’t delay in getting treatment. If you believe you or a loved one has experienced a concussion, get help as soon as possible. As with many conditions, the sooner you get help, the better off you’ll be.
What are the long-term effects of concussion?
Arising anywhere from a couple of hours to days after the initial injury, they include:
What helps prevent long-term effects of a concussion?
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Preventing the long-term effects of a concussion starts with reducing the chance of getting a head injury in the first place. Key steps to take include:
Another step is proper post-concussion management. As your brain is healing, there’s an increased chance of more severe effects—or experiencing another concussion—with reinjury. This involves:
Can an old head injury cause problems years later?
In addition, a history of concussion increases the chance of a case becoming fatal.
Can you die from a concussion?
Yes. While chances of dying from concussion are exceedingly rare, it can happen. In some cases, bleeding and inflammation in the brain, especially if untreated, is fatal. This is why careful observation is needed for the first 24–48 hours following brain injury. Get emergency help if symptoms become more pronounced and severe.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Concussion: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, prevention.University of Utah Health.Concussions: how they can affect you now and later.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.Get the facts about TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion.Polinder S, Cnossen M, Real R et al.A multidimensional approach to post-concussion symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury.Front Neurol. 2018;9. doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.01113Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Brain injury safety tips and prevention.Centers for Disease Control Injury Center.Managing return to activities. Heads Up.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Answering questions about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Concussion: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, prevention.University of Utah Health.Concussions: how they can affect you now and later.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.Get the facts about TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion.Polinder S, Cnossen M, Real R et al.A multidimensional approach to post-concussion symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury.Front Neurol. 2018;9. doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.01113Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Brain injury safety tips and prevention.Centers for Disease Control Injury Center.Managing return to activities. Heads Up.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Answering questions about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cleveland Clinic.Concussion: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, prevention.University of Utah Health.Concussions: how they can affect you now and later.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.Get the facts about TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion.Polinder S, Cnossen M, Real R et al.A multidimensional approach to post-concussion symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury.Front Neurol. 2018;9. doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.01113Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Brain injury safety tips and prevention.Centers for Disease Control Injury Center.Managing return to activities. Heads Up.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Answering questions about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Cleveland Clinic.Concussion: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, prevention.
University of Utah Health.Concussions: how they can affect you now and later.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.Get the facts about TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion.
Polinder S, Cnossen M, Real R et al.A multidimensional approach to post-concussion symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury.Front Neurol. 2018;9. doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.01113
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Brain injury safety tips and prevention.
Centers for Disease Control Injury Center.Managing return to activities. Heads Up.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Answering questions about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
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