How Long Do Concussion Symptoms Last?

There are many different types of concussions and a wide variety of symptoms that come with them. Thankfully, for most people, symptoms last anywhere from just a few days to a couple of months. For others, they can last years or become a chronic condition.

Keep reading to find out how long most symptoms last, and what a long-term condition can mean for you.

What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?

Symptoms of a concussion can be wide and varied, depending on how the grade and type of concussion you get, and it is hard to tell what your symptoms will be before you get them.

However, if you believe that you may have a concussion, five main symptoms are worth looking out for.

1. Headaches
2. Ears ringing
3. Issues with sleeping
4. Troubles remembering certain things
5. Vision is blurry

If you have a few of these symptoms and have recently done anything that might have led to a brain injury, it is worth trying to meet with your doctor to get checked out.

How Long Do Symptoms Last

For the most part, people only experience symptoms of a concussion for anywhere between a week to three months. If your symptoms persist longer than this, it might be due to a condition known as Post-Concussion Syndrome. But what is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Post-Concussion Syndrome

When you suffer a concussion, you experience a variety of symptoms that can last a few months. When the symptoms last longer than three or so months and don’t show any signs of getting better, you might be experiencing Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS).

Symptoms of PCS are focused on for main types of symptoms. These are sensory, behavior, memory, and physical symptoms. These will often feed on each other, creating a negative feedback loop without the proper treatment.

Risks that Increase Chances of Experiencing Post-Concussion Syndrome

There are often a few reasons your risk of Post-Concussion Syndrome may increase. Age and sex are two important factors, as often women and those at an older age often are more likely to experience this condition.

However, if you have had multiple concussions in your lifetime you also increase your risk of PCS. This is because the more damage to the brain you face, the more likely you are to experience long-lasting structural damage.

How Long Does It Last?

Without proper therapy and treatment, this syndrome can be permanent. It is important that when you first suspect that you may have PCS, you go to a doctor to discuss the situation.

Keeping up with exercise and taking steps to increase brain function are good ways to manage your symptoms and fix the issues. Working with a doctor can help you get the correct medication, therapy, and exercise regimen for you.

How do I Diagnose Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Finding a doctor that has handled concussions and knows a lot about them is important. Many times, Post-Concussion Syndrome doesn’t show up on MRIs and can often be looked over by average doctors.

If you suspect your symptoms are due to a concussion from several months ago, find a doctor that has experience in the field so you can discuss the symptoms you have as well as when your concussion happened.

You can try to speak to your regular doctor about getting a referral for a good doctor if they know one.

While you are searching for a doctor that can help you solve the condition, you can talk to your regular doctor in the meantime about getting medication or a professional to help offset your symptoms in the meantime.

Antidepressants, pain medication, therapy, or even a neurologist might be able to help you in the short term until a better solution can be found.