Quick Answer
If you suspect that you have sustained a concussion, stop your activity immediately, inform someone you trust, and reduce physical and cognitive demands for the first 24–48 hours. Arrange an appointment with your Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner within the first few days for assessment. Most concussions do not require emergency care; however, urgent medical attention is needed if you develop red flag symptoms such as repeated vomiting, seizures, worsening neurological symptoms, or prolonged loss of consciousness.
Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Suspected Concussion
Step 1: Stop Activity and Tell Someone
Immediately after a suspected concussion:
- Stop what you are doing — Remove yourself from sport, work, or other activities.
- Tell someone — Inform a parent, partner, coach, teacher, teammate, or coworker.
- Avoid being alone — Have someone stay with you for the first several hours.
- Reduce stimulation — Move to a quiet, low-demand environment.
Why this matters: Continuing physical or cognitive activity immediately after a concussion can worsen symptoms and prolong recovery. Early recognition and removal from activity are key protective steps.
Step 2: Monitor for Red Flag Symptoms
During the first 24–48 hours, watch closely for emergency warning signs, including:
- Worsening or severe headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness lasting more than a brief moment
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Weakness, numbness, or coordination problems
- Unequal pupil size
- Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Increasing confusion, agitation, or unusual behaviour
- Severe or worsening neck pain
If any of these occur: Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately. These symptoms may indicate a more serious brain or cervical injury requiring urgent medical evaluation.
Step 3: Get a Medical Check-up
Within the first few days after your injury, arrange an assessment with your Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner.
- Emergency care is not usually required unless red flags are present.
- A family physician, walk-in clinic doctor, or sports medicine physician can assess suspected concussion.
- Imaging (CT or MRI) is typically not required for concussion, as concussions do not appear on standard scans. Imaging is used only when there is concern for bleeding, fracture, or other structural injury.