Flyer for Patients: Navigating Your Concussion

Our downloadable flyer, Navigating your Concussion, provides information on what to do if you suspect a concussion and how to manage your concussion recovery, whether you just experienced a concussion or it has been weeks or longer since you were injured.

Click on the images or here to download the PDF.

The text for the flyer is also on this page–scroll down.

All the information reflects the most recent international guidelines in the 6th Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport. We also reference information from the Living Guideline for Pediatric Concussion from PedsConcussion and the CDC Heads Up resource.

An image of the front page of the flyer

We have images for both the front and back of the flyer; scroll down.

an image of the back side of the flyer

Below is the text from the flyer:

If you suspect a concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can occur when the head, neck, or body experiences a blow, resulting in impulsive force transmitted to the brain that causes brain tissue to stretch, compress, and twist inside the skull.

Myths

Concussions only happen with:

  • a direct hit to the head

  • loss of consciousness

  • sports activities

See a healthcare provider

If you suspect a concussion, see a qualified medical provider within 24 - 48 hours: primary care, urgent care, or emergency department. (To read about when to call 911, scroll down to Red Flag Symptoms.)

Concussion signs and symptoms

  • Dizziness or poor balance

  • headache

  • nausea

  • vision issues

  • difficulty remembering or concentrating

  • mental fog, confusion

  • neck pain/tenderness

  • sensitivity to light and noise

  • increased emotionality

Red Flag symptoms

Injury could be more severe; call 911 or go to emergency department if you have:

  • Loss of consciousness

  • seizures/convulsions

  • slurred speech

  • severe increasing headache

  • weakness or tingling/burning in the arms or legs

  • being agitated/combative

  • one pupil being larger than the other

How to manage concussion recovery

Avoid outdated advice. Do not:

  • rest in a dark room all day

  • rest until symptoms resolve

  • wear sunglasses indoors

First 24-48 hours

  • Get checked by a qualified medical provider

  • Relative rest: light physical and cognitive activities. All activities should “not result in more than a brief and mild” worsening of concussion symptoms (See QR code for more details)

  • Reduce screen time (phone, laptop, etc) to a total of one hour per day for the first two days, then gradually increase as tolerated

  • Stay connected: visit friends in a calm environment; call friends, family

  • Notify school or work that you have sustained a concussion

After 48 hours

Gradually increasing your physical activity promotes recovery

Start with mild-intensity physical activity, such as walking or cycling on a stationary bike, and avoid contact, collision, or fall risk

Return to work or academics gradually, with adjustments or accommodations

When to seek additional care for symptom rehabilitation

1. If symptoms are “persisting, worsen, or are not progressively resolving,” seek care

between 2 and 4 weeks post-concussion. Look for a comprehensive evaluation and referral to rehabilitation, such as physical, occupational, or cognitive rehab therapy.

2. Headache, dizziness, neck pain, and/or sleep problems lasting >10 days: guidelines recommend starting cervicovestibular therapy (from a physical therapist) or evaluation/treatment for sleep dysfunction.

References:

1.Patricios JS, Schneider KJ, Dvorak J, et al. Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport–Amsterdam, October 2022. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2023;57:695-711.

Flyer created by Keya Mookencherry, Conor Gormally, Malayka Gormally, and Lisa Nietge, OT.

Learn more at Concussionalliance.org, a nonprofit organization founded by Conor Gormally and Malayka Gormally, dedicated to creating resources to help everyone impacted by concussions learn how to manage recovery and inform healthcare providers on current best practices.