A concussion is a mild brain injury. It can happen to anyone. Knowing the right concussion treatment options helps you heal faster and safer.
What Are The Best Treatment Options For A Concussion?
The best way to treat a concussion is rest. Your brain needs time to heal. This means no sports, no rough play, and less screen time. Most doctors recommend 24 to 48 hours of quiet rest.
After a day or two, you can slowly get back to light activities. If you still feel dizzy, tired, or foggy, slow down. Tell an adult if your symptoms get worse.
Research shows that over 85% of kids and teens with concussions get better in about two weeks. For some, it may take a bit longer. Following the right treatment steps helps you heal faster and avoid more problems.
Step-By-Step Guide For Concussion Treatment
Here is what most doctors suggest:
1. Rest Your Brain And Body
Rest is the number one treatment. This means taking a break from all activities at first.
- Get extra sleep at night.
- Take short naps if you need them during the day.
- Avoid reading, computer games, and loud music.
- Ask to stay home from school if you feel very bad.
2. Gradually Return To Daily Life
After one or two days, you may feel ready to do more. Start slow.
- Do quiet activities like drawing, puzzles, or listening to soft music.
- Try reading for just a few minutes at a time.
- Take breaks if your symptoms come back.
Doctors call this the “Return-to-Learn” plan. A study in Canada found students who used this plan returned to school faster than those who rested more than 48 hours.
3. Return To Exercise Slowly
Wait until you have no symptoms before playing sports again.
- Start with simple stretching.
- Move on to walking or light bike rides.
- Play sports only when your doctor says it’s safe.
A study of 150 young athletes found that returning to play too soon doubled their risk of a second concussion.
4. Treating Headaches, Dizziness, Or Nausea
Some people get headaches or feel dizzy after a concussion.
- Drink extra water.
- Eat healthy snacks, and avoid skipping meals.
- Take medicine only if a doctor says it’s okay.
About 30% of people have headaches that last weeks after a concussion. Most get better with rest, good sleep, and less stress.
5. Look For Serious Danger Signs
Go to a doctor right away if you:
- Throw up many times
- Can’t wake up
- Have trouble walking or talking
- Remember less, feel confused, or act strange
These can be signs of a more serious brain injury.
Why Rest Matters Most
Doctors used to think kids should rest in a quiet room for days. Now, new research shows that after 1-2 days, too much rest actually slows recovery!
A study from 2015 looked at 88 kids with concussions. Kids who rested for five days felt more tired and took longer to feel better than those who rested for two days. So, resting just the right amount, then going back to normal slowly, works best.
What Doesn’t Work For Concussion Treatment
- Ice packs or heat on the head (they don’t help your brain)
- Special diets or vitamins (no proof they speed up healing)
- Jumping right back into games (makes things worse)
- Ignoring symptoms (can lead to long-term problems)
Remember: There is no “magic cure” for concussions.
How Long Does It Take To Get Better?
Most kids feel much better after 7-10 days. In a large study of student athletes, 90 out of 100 returned to play safely in under three weeks. Some kids (about 10–15 out of every 100) take a month or more to heal.
If you still feel dizzy or tired after two weeks, see your doctor again.
Real-Life Example: Ella’s Story
Ella, age 12, hit her head during a soccer game. She felt dizzy, confused, and had a headache. Her mom took her to the doctor.
The doctor told Ella to:
- Rest her brain and body for two days.
- Slowly start quiet activities at home.
- Return to school part-time after three days.
- Wait until she felt “100% normal” before playing soccer again.
Ella’s symptoms went away after ten days. She got back to soccer in three weeks by following these steps. Her story matches what doctors see in most kids.
Extra Care For Tougher Cases
Some kids take longer to get better. These kids see special doctors or therapists. Treatments can include:
- Talking with a counselor if sad or worried
- Balance exercises with a physical therapist
- Help from a speech teacher for memory or thinking skills
A review of concussion clinics found that 85% of kids who needed extra help were back to normal by 12 weeks.
What Parents And Teachers Should Know
- Encourage kids to speak up about symptoms.
- Don’t let them “play tough” or hide injuries.
- Use a “Return-to-Learn” and “Return-to-Play” plan.
- Watch for mood swings, trouble focusing, or falling grades.
Teachers can let kids rest in a quiet room, give extra time for schoolwork, or let them skip PE until they’re ready.
Key Facts And Statistics
- Over 3 million concussions happen in the U.S. each year.
- Rest and step-by-step return to activity heal most concussions.
- 95% of kids with proper care have no long-term problems.
