How long can a concussion last?

From vertigo to headaches, concussions can have many symptoms that impact your daily life, especially when they don’t fade quickly. Long-lasting concussion symptoms can be frustrating and concerning. Symptoms like persistent headaches and sensitivity to light will likely have a major impact on your everyday routine. Finding a solution to these symptoms can be crucial for returning to activities like sports and even your job.

Are you wondering how long you can expect to keep experiencing concussion symptoms? The recovery timeline can be different for everyone. Learning about the factors that affect your concussion timeline can help you get an estimate. These factors also help demonstrate the importance of rapid and effective intervention.

Factors that can determine concussion symptom duration

• Symptom severity — The most consistent predictor of slower recovery from concussion is the severity of a person’s acute and subacute symptoms, according to one study. Are you experiencing severe symptoms such as memory problems? This could be a sign of a major injury. The intensity of your impact can also be a helpful indicator. If you lost consciousness after hitting your head, you could have a more severe concussion. This injury may require a longer recovery timeline and more intensive treatment.
• Existing mental health conditions — Mental health and concussions are often interlinked. Mental health conditions like depression can contribute to persistent concussion symptoms. In turn, a concussion can lead to mental health symptoms. These can range from social anxiety to difficulty concentrating. These symptoms may need a holistic care approach. An effective treatment strategy needs to address your mental and physical well-being.
• Rehabilitation efforts — Left untreated, concussion symptoms may persist and become more intense. Treatment will be key to finding relief. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, you should seek medical intervention. Often, physical therapy is enough. With personalized physical therapy techniques, you can reduce your symptoms and speed up your recovery.

Accelerate your concussion recovery with SSOR

SSOR (Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation) offers an array of treatments. We use evidence-based methods like manual therapy and vision training. These techniques can help you address lingering symptoms and recover from a concussion.

Call us or request an appointment today to learn more about our concussion treatment options.