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A step-by-step guide to what to do after a suspected concussion, from the first moments through recovery. Learn when to seek emergency care, when routine medical assessment is appropriate, and how to support optimal recovery.
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.
Immediately after a suspected concussion:
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.
During the first 24–48 hours, watch closely for emergency warning signs, including:
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.
Within the first few days after your injury, arrange an assessment with your Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner.
What to expect: The physician will review symptoms, assess for red flags, provide a diagnosis when appropriate, and offer initial management guidance.
Why specialized care matters:
Concussion is a complex injury that can affect multiple systems. A clinician trained in concussion management or a dedicated concussion clinic can provide a more comprehensive evaluation, including:
When to book: Ideally within the first week of injury, or sooner if symptoms are significant or interfering with daily function.
Recovery plans are individualized and may include:
Key principle: Recovery should be active and guided, not passive. Research consistently shows that appropriately dosed activity leads to better outcomes than prolonged rest.
Ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure safe progression:
Typical recovery timeline: Most concussions resolve within 2–4 weeks with appropriate management. Some individuals may take longer, particularly if risk factors or multiple systems are involved.
During the early recovery phase, aim for relative rest:
Important: Complete isolation or prolonged "dark room rest" is no longer recommended. Light activity that does not significantly worsen symptoms is appropriate and often beneficial.
| Situation | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Red flag symptoms present | Emergency department (call 911) |
| Suspected concussion, no red flags | Physician or Nurse Practitioner within first few days |
| Symptoms not improving after 1 week | Concussion care provider or clinic |
| Return-to-sport clearance | Concussion clinic in collaboration with Physician/Nurse Practitioner |
Need a concussion assessment? Book with our team at Shift Concussion Management in Guelph, Ontario for comprehensive evaluation and personalized recovery planning, or find a trained Shift Provider near you.
Related Resources:
Article authored by Shift Concussion Management. Last updated January 2025.