Concussion
A concussion is a brain injury from a knock to the head or body that shakes the brain. You don’t need to be knocked out. Most adults recover within 2 weeks and most children within 4, with a step-by-step return to activity.
‘I didn’t get knocked out’ isn’t a clearance certificate. If in doubt, sit them out.
Call 000 or go to an emergency department for a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, a seizure, increasing drowsiness or confusion, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, neck pain, or if the person was knocked out. Same for anyone on blood thinners or over 65.
Symptoms
- Headache, “pressure in the head”, dizziness or balance problems
- Feeling dazed, foggy or slowed down; trouble concentrating or remembering
- Nausea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise
- Tiredness, poor sleep, irritability, emotional or anxious
- Symptoms can appear or worsen over the first 24–48 hours
The first days
- Relative rest for 24–48 hours: quiet activity, normal sleep, no alcohol. Total darkness and bed rest aren’t needed and can slow recovery.
- Someone should stay with the person for the first night if they were knocked out or have worrying symptoms.
- Then gradually more: light walking and normal daily activities help recovery, as long as symptoms don’t clearly worsen.
- Screens in moderation, with breaks. Paracetamol for headache.
Back to school, work and sport
- Return to learning and work first, with breaks and lighter loads if needed, usually within days.
- Sport: follow a graded return, step by step, only moving on if symptoms don’t come back.
- Community and youth sport in Australia: no return to contact or collision sport for at least 21 days, and only once symptom-free and cleared by a doctor.
- “If in doubt, sit them out.” A second knock before the brain has recovered can be more serious.
If symptoms linger
- A minority have symptoms beyond 4 weeks (persisting post-concussion symptoms).
- Treatment is targeted: graded aerobic exercise, vestibular (balance) physiotherapy, neck treatment, sleep and headache care, and help with mood or anxiety.
- See your GP if symptoms aren’t improving after 2 weeks, or sooner if they’re worsening.
Common questions
How long does concussion take to recover?
Most adults recover within 2 weeks and most children within 4 weeks. A minority have symptoms for longer and benefit from targeted treatment.
When can you return to sport after concussion?
Follow a graded return. Under Australian guidelines for community and youth sport, wait at least 21 days before returning to contact or collision sport, and only once symptom-free and cleared by a doctor.
Should you rest in a dark room after concussion?
No. Rest quietly for 24–48 hours, then gradually increase activity. Strict rest and darkness can slow recovery.
Helpful resources
- Concussion in Sport AustraliaAustralian guidelines and return-to-sport plans. Free.
- healthdirect 1800 022 22224/7 nurse advice. Free.
Evidence and more information
- Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport (2024)
- Consensus statement on concussion in sport, Amsterdam 2022 (BJSM 2023)
maladywise.com/concussion/