A concussion is a brain injury that leads to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and confusion. With rest and a gradual return to school and regular activities, symptoms usually go away within a few days to a month. Following these guidelines will help you safely return to your regular activities.

Each person with a concussion heals at their own pace. It's important to find a balance between doing too much and doing too little. 

Follow these steps:

1. Rest (for 1–2 days after the concussion)
   • Relax at home. You can do calm activities, such as talking to family and friends, reading, drawing, or playing a quiet game. If symptoms interfere with an activity, take a break from it. You can try it again later that day or the next day, or try a less intense version of it.
   • Avoid or cut down on screen time. Video games, texting, watching TV, and using social media are likely to cause symptoms or make them worse.
   • Don't drive. 
   • Avoid all sports and any activities (such as riding a bike or skateboard) that could lead to another head injury. 
   • Sleep:
     • Get plenty of sleep (at least 8–10 hours in a 24-hour period).
     • Keep regular sleep and wake times.
     • Avoid screen time or listening to loud music before bed.
     • Avoid caffeine.
     • Nap during the day, as needed.
   • Don't drink alcohol.
   • For the first few days after the injury, if you have a headache and your health care provider says it's OK, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). 
2. Light Activity (usually within a few days to a week after the concussion)
   • Slowly try more activities, such as going for a walk or watching TV. If symptoms interfere with an activity, take a break from it. You can try it again later that day or the next day, or try a less intense version of it.
   • After a few days, you should feel well enough to return to school. Work with your health care provider and a school team to create a plan for returning to school. You may need to start with a shorter day or a lighter workload. If you are not back in school by 5 days after the concussion, call your health care provider.
   • Ask your health care provider when you can drive again.
   • Keep avoiding all sports and any activities that could lead to another head injury.
   • Don't drink alcohol.
   • Keep getting plenty of sleep. If you don't feel tired during the day, you don't need to nap.
   • If you still need medicine for headaches, talk to your health care provider.
3. Moderate Activity (usually about a week after the concussion)
   • If your symptoms are nearly gone, you can go back to most activities, including regular schedules for school and work. 
   • Keep avoiding all sports and any activities that could lead to another head injury.
   • If symptoms interfere with an activity, take a break from it. You can try it again later that day or the next day, or try a less intense version of it.
4. Regular Activity (usually within a month of the concussion)
   • If all concussion symptoms are gone, you can go back to all other activities, except sports. 
   • For sports, your health care provider will work with your coach and athletic trainer (if available) to create a clear, written plan for a gradual return to play. Don't go back to playing sports until your health care provider says it's OK.

You:

• have worse symptoms
• can't go to school within 5 days of getting the concussion
• feel completely better, but then start to have symptoms again
• have symptoms last more than 3 weeks
• feel very sad, anxious, or grumpy
• have trouble at school
• can't sleep

You:

• have a severe headache
• pass out
• are very confused or sleepy, or have slurred speech
• feel weak, have numbness, or feel clumsy
• throw up more than once within a week of the concussion
• hit your head again
• have a seizure

What symptoms should I watch for? Symptoms of a concussion might happen right after the head injury or develop over hours to days. You may:

• have a headache
• be confused
• be dizzy
• have vision changes
• have nausea and/or vomiting
• feel very sleepy
• have sleep problems
• have learning problems
• feel anxious or sad

What can happen if I go back to sports too soon after my concussion? Going back to sports too soon can make your concussion take longer to heal. It also puts you at risk for another concussion. Getting more than one concussion in a short time can cause serious, permanent brain damage.

How can I prevent another concussion? Because many concussions in teens are from sports injuries:

• Be sure that any teams you are on have rules to reduce the risk of concussions, such as limits on tackling (football) or heading the ball (soccer).
• Be sure to wear a helmet when skiing, snowboarding, biking, riding a scooter, skateboarding, or rollerblading. A concussion can still happen when you wear a helmet, but the helmet can protect you from a skull fracture and serious brain injury.

If you do get another head injury, never ignore symptoms or try to "tough it out." Stop the sport or activity that you're doing and get medical care right away. 

Where can I get more information? For more information on concussions, return to school, and return to play, visit cdc.gov/headsup.