What Is a Concussion

A concussion is a type of brain injury, often called a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Even though doctors use the word “mild,” it’s still a serious condition. Without proper care, concussion symptoms can last for weeks or even longer.

Concussions happen when a blow, bump, or sudden movement to the head or body makes the brain shift or twist inside the skull. This movement can interfere with normal brain function and may affect your thinking, emotions, sleep, and daily activities.

Most people recover well, but healing time is different for everyone. Some feel better in just a few days, while others may need several weeks. Getting the right care can speed recovery, but repeated concussions can make healing take longer.

Sports-Related Concussions

Was your injury related to a sports incident? Sports-related concussions require special protocols and monitoring from our sports medicine concussion specialists.

Get Care for Your Sports Concussion

Causes of Concussions

A concussion is primarily caused by an impact that result in the head and brain undergoing a sudden, forceful movement. Concussions happen when the head or body experiences a strong impact. Frequent causes include: 

  • Falling (the most common reason)
  • Car or motorcycle crashes
  • Physical assaults
  • Being struck by an object
  • Sports injuries
  • Military or combat-related incidents

Symptoms of a Concussion

Signs of a concussion can start right away or may take hours — or even days — to appear. Some people only notice one symptom, while others experience several. Symptoms can also change over time as the brain heals.

Physical Symptoms

  • Headache or pressure in the head
  • Nausea or vomiting (especially soon after the injury)
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy
  • Blurry vision or sensitivity to light/noise

Thinking and Memory Changes

  • Trouble focusing
  • Feeling “foggy” or slowed down
  • Memory difficulties
  • Problems thinking clearly

Sleep Changes

  • Sleeping much more or much less than usual
  • Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Emotional Symptoms

  • Irritability or anger
  • Feeling sad or down
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Being more emotional than normal

When to Go to the Emergency Department After Hitting Your Head

Seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms.

  • Severe or worsening headache
  • Vomiting that continues or returns often
  • Trouble staying awake or waking up
  • Slurred speech, confusion, or unusual behavior
  • Seizures (shaking or twitching)
  • Weakness, tingling, or numbness in arms or legs
  • Any rapid decline in symptoms or new concerns

It is important to monitor for symptoms that appear hours or even days later and err on the side of caution, as delayed signs can also indicate a more severe brain injury.

Diagnosing a Concussion

If you think you might have a concussion, a doctor will ask how the injury happened and what symptoms you are having. They will check how your brain and body are working by doing simple tests instead of using machines. Most people don’t need a brain scan, like a CT or MRI. A scan is only done if the doctor thinks there may be a more serious injury, such as bleeding in the brain. Your doctor may check things like: 

  • Balance and coordination
  • Reflexes
  • Strength in your arms and legs
  • Vision and eye movement
  • Memory and attention
  • How clearly you can think and answer questions

Most people with a concussion don’t need a brain scan. A doctor may order one only if they think there could be a more serious problem, like bleeding in the brain.

Tips for Recovering After a Concussion

Everyone heals at a different speed. These steps can make symptoms easier to handle and help your brain recover.

While You’re Still Healing

  • Avoid activities that could cause another head injury, like football, biking or climbing. Ask your doctor when it’s safe to return.
  • Don’t drink alcohol or use drugs—they can slow down healing.

In the First Few Days (1 to 3 days after injury)

  • Rest as much as you need. It’s safe to sleep, and you don’t have to wake up often.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Limit screen time, loud noises, and bright lights. It’s OK to use a phone or computer briefly, like to check in with your doctor.
  • Let friends or family help with chores, schoolwork, or other tasks.

As You Start to Feel Better

  • Go back to school, work, or exercise slowly. Begin with light activities and stop if your symptoms get worse.
  • You may need:
    • Shorter school or work days
    • Extra breaks during the day
    • Less homework or easier tasks
  • Try easy exercise, like short walks, if it doesn’t make your symptoms worse. This may help you recover faster.
  • Keep a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up around the same time each day.
  • Stay connected with family, friends, and your doctor, and ask for help when you need it.

Talk to your doctor if your symptoms worsen significantly or won’t go away.

Tips to Feel Better After a Concussion

Many of these tips can help with more than one symptom. Share your symptoms with your doctor. There may be treatments that can help.

    • Talk with your doctor about safe over-the-counter medicines you can use.
    • Avoid taking too many pain relievers, since this can make headaches worse over time.
    • Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
    • Keep a steady sleep schedule.
    • Limit time on screens and avoid bright lights or loud noises.
    • Adjust screen brightness, use dark mode, or try glasses that reduce blue light.
    • Practice relaxation methods, such as slow breathing, to ease muscle tension.
    • Shorten your work or school schedule if needed.
    • Do not drink alcohol.
    • Wear sunglasses or a hat if light bothers you.
    • Slowly re-expose yourself as you improve.
    • Use earplugs or headphones in noisy settings until you can tolerate more sound.
    • Cut down on screen use if it makes symptoms worse.
    • Adjust your devices by turning on dark mode or increasing contrast.
    • Blue light–blocking glasses may also help.
    • Take frequent breaks from tasks that strain your eyes.
    • Stand up slowly to avoid sudden spinning or unsteadiness.
    • Sit and wait for dizziness to pass before walking.
    • Use handrails, or a cane or walker if you feel unsteady.
    • Rest in a quiet area during the day if you feel drained.
    • Change activities every half hour to give your brain breaks.
    • Try gentle exercise, such as walking or slow cycling, if it doesn’t make symptoms worse.
    • Consider shorter school or work days until energy improves.
    • Minimize distractions like loud noise or crowded rooms.
    • Do one task at a time instead of multitasking.
    • Write reminders or make lists to stay organized.
    • Ask others to repeat or explain things more slowly if needed.
    • Talk with your school or workplace about lighter schedules.
    • Take short breaks in a calm, quiet space.
    • Share your feelings with someone you trust.
    • Keep in touch with friends and family for support.
    • Simplify your routine to reduce stress.
    • Try calming practices like deep breathing, stretching, or meditation.
    • Rest in a quiet space if you feel overwhelmed.
    • If you ever feel very down or hopeless, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
    • In the first few days, allow yourself to sleep as much as your body needs.
    • Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, aiming for 8 to 10 hours of sleep.
    • Avoid caffeine, nicotine, exercise, and screen time right before bed.
    • Make your room dark, cool, and quiet.
    • Keep phones, TVs, and other media out of your bedroom.
    • If you can’t fall asleep, get up and do something relaxing until you feel tired again.

When to See a Specialist

If your symptoms continue or don’t improve, your doctor may recommend a referral to the Froedtert & MCW Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Clinic. The TBI Clinic has a team of experts who work together to support people recovering from concussions. This team includes neuropsychologists, physiatrists, and primary care clinicians experienced in concussion and TBI care. They provide personalized guidance and monitoring to help patients recover as fully and safely as possible.

Tips for Preventing Concussions 

While it isn’t possible to avoid all concussions, you can lower your risk by: 

  • Wearing a helmet for biking, skating, or contact sports.
  • Buckling your seatbelt every time you ride in a vehicle.
  • Making your home safer by removing tripping hazards and improving lighting.

Helpful Resources

Read these tip sheets for more information:

Watch These Short Videos

Appointments
414-777-7700
Request Appointment
View Specialists Contact Us