Physical & Mental Rest for Concussion

Treatment of concussion always involves physical and mental rest. This allows the brain to heal from this mild form of a traumatic brain injury, which occurs after a sudden trauma, such as a blow to the head that causes the brain to strike the skull. It is important to avoid physical exertion, such as by participating in sports, until symptoms subside.

NYU Langone doctors also advise limiting activities that require mental concentration as you recover from a concussion. These activities include reading, using a computer, watching television, playing video games, or working on school assignments. For many people, physical and mental rest until symptoms subside is the only treatment needed for a concussion or other head injury.

The time it takes to recover from a concussion varies from person to person. Many people find symptoms, such as headaches and dizziness, gradually go away in the days or weeks after a concussion.

If symptoms persist for a prolonged period of time beyond a few weeks, a condition called postconcussion syndrome may have developed. The most common symptoms of postconcussion syndrome are persistent or recurring headaches, memory deficits, dizziness or balance problems, sleep disturbances, and depression. If these symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend medication.