Concussion: what to look for at once, when to call an ambulance and what to expect from recovery
A practical overview based on CDC materials and the Australian–New Zealand guideline: warning signs, typical symptoms, the course of recovery and why strict bed rest does not help.
- Emergency help is needed for a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, convulsions, unequal pupils, confusion or loss of consciousness.
- Symptoms may appear right away or hours to days later; the person does not always notice them.
- Most people feel better within a few weeks; symptoms lasting longer than 4 weeks are considered persisting.
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury after a blow, bump or jolt to the head or body. Below is a retelling of the recommendations of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, page of 15 September 2025) and of the 2025–2026 Australian–New Zealand guideline. The editors add no clinical advice of their own.
Call an ambulance at once if any one of these signs is present
The CDC advises seeking emergency help immediately (in Ukraine, 103 or 112) if the person:
- has a headache that gets worse and does not go away;
- has weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, convulsions or seizures;
- vomits repeatedly;
- has slurred speech or unusual behaviour;
- has one pupil larger than the other;
- does not recognise people or places, is confused, restless or agitated;
- loses consciousness, looks very drowsy or cannot be woken up.
In children after a blow to the head or body, additional warning signs are inconsolable crying that does not stop and refusing to eat or nurse.
Typical symptoms
- Physical: sensitivity to light or noise, dizziness or balance problems, fatigue, headache, nausea or vomiting (usually early on), vision problems.
- Thinking and memory: trouble concentrating, feeling “foggy”, feeling mentally slowed, memory problems.
- Social and emotional: anxiety, irritability, heightened emotions, sadness.
- Sleep: sleeping more or less than usual, trouble falling asleep.
Symptoms may appear right away or hours to days later, and they change during recovery. The injured person may not notice or admit their problems, so relatives and medical staff should watch for them.
What is known about recovery
- According to the CDC, most people feel better within a few weeks, and the condition usually improves gradually.
- According to the Australian–New Zealand guideline, strict bed rest is ineffective. Normal everyday activity should continue with breaks, and exertion should be reintroduced gradually.
- If symptoms last longer than 4 weeks, they are called persisting. According to the data in the guideline summary, they occur in 30–40% of children and 20–50% of adults. In that case it is desirable to involve a multidisciplinary team.
- A return to sport is advised only after the symptoms have resolved and normal function has returned.
All these points are general guidelines, not an individual plan. If you or your child has had a blow to the head, see a doctor, especially if any of the listed signs are present.
Sources
- CDC: Signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury and concussion (15 September 2025)
- AJGP 2026;55(1–2):29–35: A summary of the first Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Clinical Practice Guideline for the management of mTBI/concussion
This material is for information only and does not replace consultation with a doctor or psychologist. Self-medication can be harmful to your health.