Concussion: The Graded Path Back

What a Concussion Is (and Isn’t)

A concussion is a functional brain injury — a temporary disturbance in how brain cells work after an impact, with normal structural imaging. Symptoms span headache, fog, dizziness, light/noise sensitivity, sleep changes, and mood shifts. Most resolve within 2–4 weeks with the right management — and management has changed dramatically.

Rest Is No Longer the Plan

• 24–48 hours of relative rest — then gradual reintroduction of daily activity
• Light aerobic exercise below symptom threshold speeds recovery (strong recent evidence)
• Screens and school/work return in graded doses, not total bans
• Persistent symptoms past 4 weeks deserve targeted therapy — neck, vestibular, visual, or exertional

The Return-to-Sport Ladder

Sport returns through a stepwise progression — symptom-limited activity, light aerobic work, sport-specific drills, non-contact training, full contact practice, then competition — each step at least 24 hours, stepping back if symptoms flare. No return to contact before completing the ladder and, for students, returning to school first.

Quick Answers

Do I need a scan? CT/MRI rule out structural injury when red flags exist; a normal scan neither diagnoses nor excludes concussion — assessment is clinical.

Why do I still have symptoms at 6 weeks? Persisting symptoms usually have treatable drivers — neck involvement, vestibular/ocular issues, or deconditioning. Targeted rehab works; waiting rarely does.

Multiple concussions — should I quit my sport? That’s an individualized decision with your physician based on number, spacing, severity, and recovery pattern — worth a structured conversation, not internet fear.

How RecoveryX Helps

RecoveryX provides symptom-threshold exercise programming, vestibular and neck treatment when indicated, and a documented stepwise return — coordinated with your physician — so you go back to sport, school, and work on evidence, not guesswork.