Quick Answer
Most adults and teenagers recover from a concussion within 7-10 days, though recovery times vary significantly. Children and adolescents may take longer (up to 4 weeks), while some individuals experience symptoms for months. The key to optimal recovery is proper rest, gradual return to activities, and professional guidance.
Typical Recovery Timeline
Week 1: Initial Rest Phase
- Days 1-2: Strict physical and cognitive rest
- Days 3-7: Gradual introduction of light activities if symptoms allow
- Monitoring: Track symptoms daily
Most people begin to feel better during this first week with appropriate rest and activity modification.
Week 2: Gradual Return
- Progressive return to daily activities
- Introduction of light exercise (if symptom-free at rest)
- Continued symptom monitoring
Many people are back to normal activities by the end of week two, though some still need modifications.
Beyond Week 2
- 10-30% of people experience symptoms beyond 2 weeks
- Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS) - symptoms lasting beyond 4 weeks in adults or 10 weeks in children
- Requires specialized rehabilitation approach
Factors That Affect Recovery Time
Personal Factors
Age:
- Children and adolescents often take longer to recover than adults
- Older adults may also experience prolonged recovery
Concussion History:
- Multiple prior concussions can lead to longer recovery times
- Recent concussions (within the past year) increase risk of prolonged symptoms
Pre-existing Conditions:
- History of migraines may extend recovery
- Mental health conditions (anxiety, depression) can complicate recovery
- Learning disabilities or ADHD may affect symptom resolution
- Sleep disorders can prolong symptoms
Injury-Related Factors
Severity:
- Initial symptom severity correlates with recovery length
- Loss of consciousness doesn't necessarily predict recovery time
- Post-traumatic amnesia duration may indicate longer recovery