Скачать или смотреть How long does it take to recover from a concussion? Answered by Concussion specialist 2026

How long does it take to recover from a concussion? 🧠⏳
This is the #1 question I get as a concussion specialist physio — and the honest answer is: it depends, but we do have good timelines.

Typical concussion recovery timeline

✅ Most people improve within 2–4 weeks
But full recovery can take months, and a minority have longer-lasting symptoms.

What the research shows:
• In sport-related concussion studies, average time to be symptom-free is ~14 days, and average time to return to sport is ~20 days. (Putukian et al., 2023)
• Large concussion clinic cohorts often report median recovery around ~17–28 days. (Kara et al., 2020; Thomas et al., 2018; Henry et al., 2016; Kontos et al., 2019)

Why do timelines vary so much?

Because concussion is not just “a headache.” Recovery can be limited by different systems:
• sleep + fatigue
• neck symptoms
• vestibular (dizziness/balance)
• visual intolerance
• exercise intolerance (autonomic)
…and life factors like stress, workload, and inconsistent pacing.

What helps recovery (in plain terms)
• Relative rest for 24–48 hours, then gradual activity
• Return to school/work before full sport, with modifications
• Sub-symptom aerobic exercise (when appropriate)
• Targeted rehab: vestibular/vision/neck + progressive loading

When should you worry?

If symptoms are not improving by 2–4 weeks, or if you can’t tolerate normal life demands, it’s worth seeing a clinician who does active concussion rehab (not just “rest until it goes away”).

#concussion #concussionrecovery #howlongdoesconcussionlast #mildtraumaticbraininjury #returntoplay #returntosport #physiotherapy #vestibularrehab #postconcussionsyndrome #sportsmedicine

References
Putukian et al., 2023. Systematic review of sport-related concussion recovery timelines.
Kara et al., 2020; Thomas et al., 2018; Henry et al., 2016; Kontos et al., 2019. Concussion clinic recovery cohorts.