Slipping and falling can impact your head and inflict a concussion. This causes the brain to shake back and forth inside the skull. A concussion generates a variety of health problems, and you may wonder how long it would take to recover from it.
Most adults recuperate fully within two to four weeks. However, some fall patients take longer to recover, depending on the severity of their injury and symptoms.
Acute phase
Initially after the concussion occurs, the acute phase begins when symptoms such as headache, dizziness and confusion occur. Most concussion symptoms resolve within 10 to 14 days after the initial injury.
During this phase, a patient should rest mentally and physically. Additionally, a fall patient should avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms, including watching television, texting, reading or listening to loud music. If emergency warning signs of concussion manifest, such as worsening headache or vomiting, immediate medical evaluation is necessary.
Recovery phase
After the acute phase, the recovery phase starts. This allows the patient to gradually resume normal activities as long as they do not trigger concussion symptoms. A neurologist should monitor the gradual return to regular everyday activities.
Full recovery for adults usually occurs within 14 days after the concussive injury. However, the concussion recovery timeline depends on the severity of the initial injury and how quickly the symptoms resolve.
Delays and complications
In some cases, concussion symptoms can persist for months in a condition called post-concussion syndrome. Adults who sustain multiple concussions prior to full recovery also face a longer timeline to recover. In addition, older adults tend to take longer to recover from concussions than younger adults.
Other factors that can delay concussion recovery include memory, concentration or sleep problems, chronic headaches, mood changes or persistent dizziness. If concussion symptoms fail to improve after 10-14 days or get worse, a patient should receive further medical evaluation.
Seeking prompt medical care and adhering to the recommendations of a doctor optimizes concussion recovery. With proper management, most adults restore their health and resume their normal lives.